Loading map...

1980 Map of Lake Vernon

Name: 1980 Topographic Map of Lake Vernon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

Glacial potholes and prairie wetlands define this corner of Ward County, where the transition between Rice Lake and Cameron townships is marked by an intricate network of small water bodies. The landscape is dominated by the sprawling Lake Vernon and its northern neighbor, Tangedahl Lake, both vital components of the regional water system. Human presence is centered on the small settlement of Rice, located near a prominent Radio Tower that serves as a modern landmark in the open prairie.

Transport and industry follow the terrain, with the Soo Line railroad cutting diagonally across the southern sections through Ryder and Anna townships. Evidence of local extraction is visible in the form of a Gravel Pit and Sandpit, while conservation efforts are anchored by the National Waterfowl Production Area. This survey captures the rural character of the North Dakota plains at a time when the rail-and-water economy remained the primary structure for local land use.