1979 Map of Drake

About this map

Balfour and Drake serve as key nodes along the Burlington Northern rail line, which cuts across this central North Dakota landscape. The late 1970s environment is characterized by an extensive network of prairie potholes and large water bodies, such as Sheyenne Lake and Krueger Lake, many of which are protected within the National Waterfowl Production Area. The southern portion of the map highlights the significant engineering of the McClusky Canal as it navigates the terrain near the Prophets Mountains. Smaller, isolated settlements like Kief, Anamoose, and the small community of Lincoln Valley represent the rural social fabric of the era. Genealogists and local historians can find specific points of interest including the Willoughby Landing Strip and various Gravel Pits that supported the local infrastructure of McHenry and Sheridan counties.