2011 Map of Ellsworth

About this map

Ellsworth and West Ellsworth form the primary human footprint in this corner of the Nebraska Sandhills. The landscape is defined by its numerous shallow water bodies, characteristic of this semi-arid region, including Black Lake, Shubert Lake, and Merritt Lake. These lakes often serve as vital watering holes in the ranching country, linked by a sparse network of roads such as Starr Ranch Rd. The Ellsworth Post Office remains a central landmark for the local community. The distribution of these features reveals a settlement pattern dictated by the placement of water and the long-established ranching operations that define Sheridan County. This 2011 survey captures the area before modern shifts in agricultural land use, providing a baseline for researchers tracking the hydrological and demographic changes in western Nebraska.