2018 Map of Fort Downer

About this map

Fort Downer centers this map of western Kansas, marking a point of transition across the High Plains landscape. The terrain is defined by the winding course of the Smoky Hill River, which flows through the southern half of the quadrangle. This waterway, along with its tributaries Downer Cr and Sand Cr, historically dictated the movement of travelers and the placement of frontier outposts in Trego County. The map details a strictly organized grid of rural roads, including 220 Ave and W Rd, which cut across the dramatic bluffs and drainage patterns that characterize the river valley. The survey provides a clear view of how land divisions like t14s r24w align with the natural topography of the river breaks and plains.