1980 Map of Plaza SE

About this map

Glacial potholes and prairie wetlands define the landscape of the Missouri Plateau at the border of Mountrail and Ward counties during the early 1980s. This survey emphasizes the ecological importance of the region through the designated National Waterfowl Production Area, scattered across several sections of the prairie. The human imprint on this undulating terrain is primarily organized by the rectangular survey system, which delineates townships such as Lund, Linton, and Orlien. A solitary Townhall stands as a central community landmark amidst a sparse network of section-line roads, illustrating the decentralized settlement pattern characteristic of rural North Dakota. The map meticulously documents the distribution of small lakes and seasonal ponds that fluctuate with the northern plains' climate, providing a precise record of the land's hydrology and civil divisions.