1952 Map of Dawson

About this map

The settlement of Dawson sits at a critical junction of commerce and terrain in central North Dakota, anchored by the Northern Pacific railroad corridor. The landscape is defined by its substantial water bodies, particularly the sprawling Alkaline Lake, Lake Isabel, and Manning Lake, which dominate the southern half of the quadrangle. These lakes are separated by subtle topographic rises like Sibley and Woodlawn, indicating a post-glacial pothole region where drainage and water levels were primary factors in land use. Local education and community life are represented by the rural Liberty Sch, situated south of the main township. This survey, compiled from 1951 aerial photography, provides a precise record of the prairie section lines and early transport routes before modern infrastructure changes modified the shoreline environments.