1901 Map of Paxton

About this map

The North Platte River and South Platte River converge toward the east in this turn-of-the-century survey, defining a landscape of intensive water management and early Nebraska ranching. The Union Pacific railroad tracks run parallel to the southern river branch, anchoring the settlements of Paxton and Hershey. Between these rivers, the land is etched with a complex network of irrigation infrastructure, including the Sutherland and Paxton Canal, the Nichols Canal, and the Southside Canal, reflecting the massive effort to harness surface water for agriculture in the high plains.