1980 Map of Nygren Dam

About this map

The Heart River winds through the northwestern corner of this Morton County landscape, carving into the high plains of the Missouri Plateau. This 1980 edition documents the rural character of the region during a period of agricultural stability, highlighting local water management through features like Nygren Dam. The terrain is defined by the prominent Oak Coulee Ridge in the northeast, while the southern reach is drained by the meandering Chanta Peta Creek. Small pockets of development like Mackey and several scattered wells indicate the reliance on groundwater for the ranching and farming operations that dominate the area's geography. The map reveals a high density of fence lines and section corners, reflecting the established township and range system that organized this part of North Dakota's heartland.