1971 Map of Johnson Lake

About this map

The historical Emigrant Trail crosses the northern landscape of this Platte River valley region, marking a legacy of westward expansion just south of the braided Platte River. By the early 1970s, the area had transformed into a significant water management and recreation hub, anchored by the large Johnson Lake and the engineered Bullhead Canal. These waters supported the local powerplant and various irrigation structures like the Lateral Siphon. Rural life is evident in the distributed schoolhouses, including School No 15 and School No 4, alongside the Chapel of the Lake. The map details a complex network of water features, from the natural meanders of Plum Creek to artificial reservoirs like Philips Lake and Boewing Lake, illustrating the mid-century intersection of natural hydrology and regional utility development.