Loading map...

2011 Map of Elwood SW

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Elwood SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

East Branch Muddy Creek and Elk Creek define the drainage patterns of this rural Nebraska landscape, where agricultural water management is the primary architectural feature. The terrain is marked by a series of named earthen structures and impoundments, such as Umberger Reservoir and Gruber Reservoir, which appear to be tied to local family landholdings. This collection of water features, including McKenzie Reservoir and Brockmeier Reservoir, illustrates the intensive modification of the prairie to support farming and ranching operations.

A grid of section-line roads, such as Road 740 and Road 422, organizes the space into the traditional homestead layout of the Great Plains. Distinctive landmarks like Middle Canyon Rd and the Fader-Stewart Reservoir offer specific points of reference for researchers tracing property history or land use in Gosper County. The absence of traditional town centers highlights the area's specialized character as a distributed agricultural production zone.