2012 Map of Farwell

About this map

The James River snakes through the western edge of this prairie landscape in Hanson County, defining the drainage patterns for the surrounding farmland. This agricultural region is anchored by the small settlements of Farwell and Plano, connected by a precise grid of section-line roads like 415th Ave and 247th St. The meandering path of the river, along with its tributary Dry Run, creates a distinct break in the otherwise orderly township layout, suggesting the historical importance of these water sources to early homesteaders. To the southeast, Rock Creek flows through the township, near which the Rock Creek Cem stands as a primary genealogical landmark for local family history research. This map captures the enduring rural character of the South Dakota plains, where the relationship between the river valley and the surveyed road network remains the primary structural element of the community.