1958 Map of McCook

About this map

Republican River and Platte River valley landscapes define this mid-century survey, illustrating the critical role of water management in the High Plains. Large-scale irrigation and flood control projects are evident through features like Swanson Lake, Enders Reservoir, and the Medicine Creek Reservoir, alongside complex infrastructure such as the Tri-County Supply Canal and various siphons and flumes. The rail-dependent economy of the 1950s is anchored by the Chicago Burlington and Quincy and Union Pacific lines, which connect agricultural hubs like McCook, Imperial, and Gothenburg. Away from the river corridors, the expansive Sand Hills terrain is dotted with isolated settlements such as Brandon and Grainton, while a dismantled railroad segment near the northern border hints at shifting transportation patterns. Local landmarks, including St Johns Church and numerous grain elevators, provide specific points of interest for genealogical and regional history research.