1954 Map of Ord NE

About this map

The rolling hills of Nebraska's Sandhills region define this landscape, recorded by the Geological Survey during the mid-20th century development of the Missouri River Basin. The terrain is notably sparse, characteristic of the rangeland along the borders of Garfield, Valley, and Wheeler counties. Agriculture and livestock management are the primary human imprints on the land, evidenced by several Windmill sites used for watering cattle across the undulating topography. Water management is a central theme of this 1950s study, featuring the Burwell Sumter Canal in the southwestern corner. Natural drainage is provided by local watercourses including Messenger Creek and a seasonal Spring, which cut through the loess hills and provide vital resources for the remote ranching operations established in this part of the state.