1973 Map of Bluestem Lake

About this map

The Osage Indian Reservation landscape in the early 1970s is defined by its extensive water management and industrial infrastructure. Bluestem Lake dominates the central terrain, formed by the impoundment of Middle Bird Creek, while Pawhuska Lake sits further south, fed by Higgins Creek. The region's economic history is visible through the Oil Field and numerous scattered Oil Wells, particularly in the northern reaches. This industrial character is further reflected by the several Quarries and a Pumping Station located near the southern waterway. Transportation history is marked by an Old Railroad Grade that winds through the valley of Clear Creek, offering a glimpse into the earlier logistical network of the county. In the center of the sheet, the Pawhuska Municipal Airport serves as a modern waypoint above the rugged drainages of Maher Creek and the deep relief of Cedar Canyon.