1951 Map of Iliff

About this map

The South Platte River corridor near Iliff is defined by an intricate network of irrigation systems developed for the Missouri River Basin. This 1951 topographic survey reveals the extensive water management infrastructure of Logan County, including the Sterling Outlet Canal, the North Sterling Outlet Canal, and various laterals like No 26 Gillette Ditch. The presence of Selma (Aban'd) along the Union Pacific rail line highlights a shifting settlement pattern as early railroad stops were eclipsed by the growth of nearby agricultural centers. The landscape transition from the river bottom to the uplands is marked by drainage features such as Trap Draw and Lewis Creek, while smaller water bodies like McKenzie Pond and Larson Pond appear amidst the surveyed section lines. This map serves as a detailed record of the mid-century engineering required to sustain plains farming.