1895 Map of Lamoure

About this map

The James River meanders south through the heart of the eastern Dakotas in the late nineteenth century, serving as the primary axis for early settlement and transport. In this era of rapid expansion, the landscape is defined by the intersection of water and rail, with the Northern Pacific RR and the Chicago and Northwestern Ry carving paths through newly established townships. The map documents the layout of budding agricultural hubs like Lamoure, Oakes, and Grand Rapids, which sits along the upper reaches of the river. Numerous small settlements and post offices, such as Yorktown, Port Emma, and Berlin, appear as vital points in a fledgling network. The terrain is organized into distinct territorial blocks like Black Loam and Grandview, reflecting the surveyor's focus on the region's agricultural potential and natural hydrology, including Cottonwood Creek and the Maple River.