1955 Map of Great Bend

About this map

The Arkansas River forms its distinctive northward arc through central Kansas, anchoring a landscape defined by expansive river valleys and the mid-century expansion of water management. Compiled in the 1950s and updated through 1965, this survey captures the region as major impoundments like Wilson Reservoir, Kanopolis Reservoir, and Cedar Bluff Reservoir reshaped the hydrology of the Saline River, Smoky Hill River, and Walnut Creek. Significant rail infrastructure, including the Union Pacific RR and the Missouri Pacific RR, connects established agricultural centers such as Great Bend, Hays, and Larned. To the southeast, the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge preserves critical wetlands, including Salt Marsh and Little Salt Marsh, while the upland topography is punctuated by landmarks like Round Mound and Blue Hill. The map meticulously details the transit networks of the era, from early state highways to burgeoning communication infrastructure like a Television Station and Microwave Relay Station.