1977 Map of Lake Andes SW

About this map

Francis Case, a large reservoir created by the damming of the Missouri River, dominates the upper half of this 1970s orthophoto. The imagery reveals the stark contrast between the complex, dendritic drainage patterns along the reservoir's southern bluffs and the orderly, rectangular agricultural grid on the northern plateau. To the southeast, the historic site of Fort Randall is visible near the river's edge, highlighting the area's long-standing strategic importance. This map was produced by the Geological Survey in cooperation with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, reflecting the jurisdictional importance of this landscape during the late 20th century. The transportation corridor formed by US Highway 18 and 281 cuts across the lower half of the sheet, providing a primary link between the high plains and the river valley.