1986 Map of Black Lake

About this map

Half-Circle Ranch and Black Ranch anchor this landscape of the Nebraska Sandhills in the mid-1980s, illustrating the sparse ranching patterns typical of Garden County. The terrain is characterized by a high density of alkali and freshwater basins, including the sizable Black Lake in the southern portion and Rockford Lake near the center. Navigating this environment relied heavily on seasonal routes, as indicated by the numerous 4wd trails that connect isolated wells and cattle operations. The presence of named water bodies like Wild Horse Lake and Ross Lake highlights the critical importance of surface water in an area defined by its shifting sand dunes. This provisional map captures a snapshot of the region's geography before more modern developments, showing the exact placement of remote ranch buildings and land management points across township and range lines.