1953 Map of Crook

About this map

Crook serves as the central hub of this agricultural and riparian landscape along the South Platte River. The area's dependence on river management is clearly marked by an intricate network of irrigation systems including Harmony Ditch No 1, Harmony Ditch No 2, and Tamarack Ditch. These waterways support the valley floor while the Union Pacific railroad parallels the river, facilitating the movement of goods through the Tobin area. Beyond the fertile flats, the terrain rises into the Colorado Game and Fish Reserve, where the landscape shifts toward open rangeland and isolated landmarks like Condon Ranch. Grounded in data from 1948 aerial photography and 1953 field surveys, the map documents the critical infrastructure of the high plains, from the Slaughter Pond reservoir to the various gravel pits and siphons that defined local industry and water law in Logan County.