1952 Map of New Rockford

About this map

The Fort Totten Indian Agenc and nearby St Michael Mission School anchor the northern landscape of this North Dakota survey, which documents the extensive prairie pothole region during the mid-20th century. This area is characterized by an intricate network of wetlands and seasonal water bodies, including Devils Lake and the expansive Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge. The map reveals a robust agricultural and transport system defined by competing rail lines, such as the Great Northern RR and Northern Pacific RR, which connect dozens of grain-handling settlements like New Rockford, Cooperstown, and Maddock. Rural life is marked by isolated landmarks and community hubs, including The Church by the Highway and Bowdon Country Church and Cemetery, offering researchers a view of the social and spiritual geography of the Great Plains before the consolidation of many small farming towns.