1949 Map of Fessenden West

About this map

The James River meanders across this Wells County landscape, providing a natural contrast to the rigid section lines of the surrounding prairie. This area, documented through surveys in 1948 and updated in the 1980s, highlights the importance of the Soo Line railroad in shaping local development. The rail corridor connects the larger settlement of Fessenden in the southeast to the community of Manfred in the west, illustrating the typical North Dakota pattern of town sites following the steel rails. Local heritage is preserved in the location of rural landmarks like School No 1 and the German Baptist Cem, alongside the Hillside Cem near the Fessenden townsite. South of the river, the terrain descends toward Hirshkorn Lake, showcasing a landscape defined by glacial activity and the agricultural townships of Manfred, West Norway, and Saint Anna.