1957 Map of Cando NE

About this map

The meandering Mauvais Coulee carves a deep path through the prairie landscape of Towner County, creating a stark contrast to the rigid grid of township lines. This 1957 survey, compiled by the Geological Survey and the North Dakota Water Conservation Commission, documents the hydrologic patterns before extensive modern drainage alterations. In the northern reaches of the Lac Aux Mortes National Wildlife Refuge, the map illustrates a network of wetlands and potholes essential for migratory waterfowl. The human imprint is seen in the sparse distribution of rural infrastructure, such as School No 1 and a strategically placed Gaging Station used to monitor seasonal water levels. Territorial divisions including Cando, Bethel, Maza, and Coolin organize this agricultural expanse, where the elevation changes are subtle but significant for the local water table.