1987 Map of Hire

About this map

The North Branch Middle Loup River and Middle Branch Middle Loup River converge in this mid-1980s landscape, illustrating the hydrology of the Nebraska Sandhills. The settlement of Hire sits near the river junction, serving as a focal point for the surrounding cattle country. This era of land use is characterized by large private holdings such as the L Phipps Ranch in the north and the Roesch Ranch further south. The topography is defined by the intricate drainage patterns of Calf Creek and the presence of isolated water bodies like Fender Lake, which are essential for livestock in this semi-arid region. The map provides a detailed look at the rural infrastructure of Cherry County before the widespread adoption of modern digital mapping, capturing the specific locations of ranch houses and unimproved roads that defined local travel.