1958 Map of Great Bend

About this map

The Arkansas River carves a wide arc through Barton County, defining the growth of Great Bend and its surrounding agricultural townships. This mid-century survey reveals a thriving regional hub, concentrated north of the river and anchored by the Court House and a dense network of local schools including Lincoln Sch, Central Sch, and Riley Sch. The industrial and transportation identity of the area is evident in the alignment of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad and the expansive Great Bend Municipal Airport to the west. South of the river, the landscape shifts toward rural sections in South Bend and Liberty townships, where Antelope Creek meanders through oil fields marked by numerous Oil Wells. Local landmarks such as the Great Bend Cemetery, the Drive-in Theater, and the St Rose Hospital provide specific touchpoints for genealogical and local history research.