1953 Map of Devils Lake

About this map

The Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation anchors the northwestern corner of this landscape, characterized by the dense clustering of water bodies like Carpenter Lake and Jarvis Lake along the international border. This era in North Dakota shows a mature agricultural and transit network, where the Burlington Northern railroad links established grain-handling hubs including Osnabrock, Langdon, and Rolla. The map reveals a significant focus on conservation and public lands, with extensive tracts dedicated to the Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge and the Silver Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Further south, the complex shoreline of Devils Lake is meticulously documented, featuring Creel Bay and Mission Bay adjacent to the Fort Totten Indian Reservation. Rural community life is marked by local landmarks such as the Rose Hill School and various grain elevators that define the small-town skylines of Nekoma and Fairdale.