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1953 Map of Julesburg Reservoir

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Julesburg Reservoir
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1972
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1972

About this map

The South Platte River corridor in Logan County is defined here by an intricate network of early irrigation systems and rail infrastructure. Dominating the landscape is the Julesburg Reservoir, fed by a complex series of waterworks including the Highline Canal and the Harmony Ditch No 2. Along the southern edge of the map, the Union Pacific railroad tracks run parallel to the river, serving small settlements like Red Lion and Marcott.

Evidence of early rural education and ranching is visible at the Lakeside School and Cottonwood Ranch, while the numerous windmills scattered across the northern bluffs near Round Top and Flat Top underscore the area's dependence on groundwater. The map also records early water engineering projects such as the Settlers Ditch and the now abandoned Sterling Outlet Canal (Aban'd), illustrating the historical effort to manage the arid environment for agriculture.