1950 Map of Kenmare

About this map

The Upper Des Lacs Lake and its sister basins, Middle Des Lacs Lake and Lower Des Lacs Lake, carve a deep path through the North Dakota plains, defining the topography of this 1950 survey. The Des Lacs National Wildlife Refuge follows this watercourse, while the town of Kenmare serves as the regional hub at the lakes' narrowing point. This area shows a highly organized rural structure, dotted with numerous local institutions like Spencer Sch, Crowfoot Sch, and Bethlehem Ch that served the farming townships of Elmdale, Spencer, and Crowfoot. The infrastructure of the era is anchored by the Great Northern and Minneapolis St Paul and Sault Ste Marie railroads, which facilitated the movement of grain and passengers through settlements such as Niobe and Kenaston.