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1950 Map of Lawrence West

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Lawrence West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

The western expansion of Lawrence and the creation of Clinton Lake dominate this landscape, which transitioned from a rural agricultural district to a suburban and educational hub in the mid-20th century. The University of Kansas and its West Campus occupy the eastern ridge, overlooking the winding path of the Wakarusa River. A significant 1970s revision shows the newly flooded basin of the reservoir, submerged areas once defined by smaller tributaries like Rock Creek and Washington Creek.

Rural life is preserved through labels for the community of Kanwaka and several local schools such as Brackett Sch and Pleasant Valley Sch. The map also documents mid-century infrastructure and leisure, featuring the Kansas Turnpike, a Drag Strip, and the Drive-in Theater. Genealogists can locate the Pioneer Cem and Richland Cem, while the rugged southern topography is anchored by the prominent Shank Hill.