1985 Map of Jefford Lake

About this map

The North Fork Dismal River and South Fork Dismal River dominate this mid-1980s topographical study of the Nebraska Sandhills. The landscape is characterized by its drainage patterns, where the narrow waterways and the prominent Jefford Lake provide essential resources for local ranching operations. Human presence is sparse but clearly defined by family-named landholdings such as the Gragg Ranch and J Tucker Ranch. Connectivity across this terrain relies heavily on 4wd trails that navigate the shifting topography between the forks of the river. A small Cem near the river banks serves as a quiet marker of the area's genealogical history, while the northern reach of the map is defined by the winding course of Bobtail Cr as it feeds into the river system.