1972 Map of Bucktail Lake

About this map

Bucktail Lake and its surrounding ranch lands define this interior portion of the Nebraska Sandhills during the early 1970s. The landscape is marked by the distinct operations of Bucktail Ranch, Green Valley Ranch, and Lawler Ranch, reflecting a sparsely populated region where large-scale cattle ranching is the primary economic driver. Mapping efforts from the U.S. Geological Survey capture the intersection of Arthur, McPherson, and Keith counties, a remote area where water resources are critical for survival. The presence of Well 3406 and the headwaters of W Birdwood Creek illustrate the reliance on groundwater and seasonal drainages in this high-plains environment. This survey provides a precise record of section lines, fence boundaries, and unimproved trails that supported the rural logistics of the era.