1951 Map of Messex

About this map

The South Platte River and its intricate network of irrigation channels define this 1951 landscape at the junction of Morgan, Logan, and Washington counties. Settled areas like Messex and Beta appear alongside the Union Pacific Railroad, which follows the river's path through the valley. The map documents an intensive agricultural and industrial transformation of the plains, evident in the numerous water features such as the Sterling Canal, Pawnee Ditch, and Riverside Canal. Genealogists and local historians can locate the Roosevelt School and Merino Cemetery, while the presence of the Merino Oil Field and various Gravel Pits reflects the area's mid-century resource extraction. The southern portion is dominated by the Prewitt Reservoir and its Inlet Canal, illustrating the vital role of water management in sustaining these High Plains communities during the post-war era.