1958 Map of Petrified Lake

About this map

Glacial depressions and alkaline waters define this Pierce County landscape, mapped during a period of focused study for the development of the Missouri River Basin. The terrain is dominated by a chain of water bodies including Petrified Lake, Round Lake, and the elongated reach of Long Lake. The Buffalo Coulee cuts a distinct path through the center of the sheet, providing drainage through the township boundaries of Elverum, Alexander, and Balta. To the southwest, Girard Lake sits amidst a complex of smaller potholes and wetlands. A significant portion of the southeast corner is dedicated to the Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, reflecting the region's importance as a migratory habitat. Local industrial activity is evidenced by scattered Gravel Pits, while the section lines and township markers provide a clear grid for property research and genealogical study.