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1895 Map of Grand Island

Name: 1895 Topographic Map of Grand Island
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1895
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1895

About this map

Grand Island stands as a significant rail hub in Central Nebraska during the late nineteenth century, situated at the junction of several major transportation arteries. The platting of the city shows a dense grid established north of the Union Pacific R. R. (Main Line) and south of the Union Pacific R. R. (Ord Branch). This network is further expanded by the Burlington and Missouri River R. R. and the St. Joseph and Grand Island R. R., highlighting the area's critical role in regional commerce and westward expansion.

To the south, the landscape is defined by the braided path of the Platte River, divided into the North Channel, Middle Channel, and South Channel. These waterways created large islands that necessitated infrastructure like the Island Bridge and Hamilton Bridge. Smaller settlements such as Alda and Doniphan anchor the surrounding agricultural townships, while the path of Wood River and Prairie Creek meander through the prairie landscape, providing essential water sources for early homesteads.