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1959 Map of Hutchinson

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Hutchinson
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

The Flint Hills and Smoky Hills dominate the geography of central Kansas in this mid-century survey, illustrating the convergence of major rail networks and military aviation. Strategic hubs like Salina, Hutchinson, and Emporia serve as anchors for a landscape defined by the Arkansas River and Smoky Hill River valleys. The presence of Smoky Hill Air Force Base and specialized training areas like the Camp Phillips Air to Ground Gunnery Range reflects the region's importance to national defense during the Cold War era.

Railroad connectivity is exceptionally detailed, featuring the At&SF RR, Cri&P RR, and Up RR, which fueled the growth of cattle towns and milling centers such as Abilene, McPherson, and Newton. From the early segments of the Kansas Turnpike to the small prairie settlements of Cottonwood Falls and Council Grove, the map captures the transition from historic river-crossing communities to a modern high-speed transportation corridor.