1986 Map of Jamestown

About this map

Jamestown and Valley City anchor this mid-1980s landscape where the James River and the Sheyenne River carve distinct valleys through the central North Dakota plains. The map illustrates a complex water management and conservation network, featuring the Jamestown Reservoir and Pipestem Lake, alongside numerous waterfowl production areas and wildlife refuges like Stoney Slough. This era shows the continued importance of the rail corridors, specifically the Burlington Northern and the Minneapolis St Paul and Sault Ste Marie RR lines that connect small prairie settlements such as Spiritwood, Ypsilanti, and Montpelier. Beyond the residential hubs, the presence of the State Hospital at Jamestown and the Valley City National Fish Hatchery highlights significant regional institutional footprints. The cartography reveals a highly organized township system, with many areas named for early settlers or geographic features, including Eldridge, Homer, and Sydney.