1973 Map of Bluestem Lake

About this map

Bluestem Lake and its surrounding watershed dominate this mid-1970s survey within the Osage Indian Reservation. The map documents a landscape defined by water management and mineral extraction, featuring the prominent reservoirs of Bluestem and Lake Pawhuska. The intricate drainage system includes Middle Bird Creek, South Bird Creek, and Maher Creek, while the presence of an extensive Oil Field and multiple Oil Wells highlights the region's industrial foundations. Significant land use markers include the Strike Axe area and the Pawhuska Municipal Airport, alongside smaller remnants of local history like a rural Cem and an Old Railroad Grade near Clear Creek. The transition from natural waterways to engineered spillways at both lakes illustrates the mid-century development of water resources in Osage County.