2015 Map of Portis NW

About this map

The agricultural grid of rural Smith County defines this corner of the Kansas plains, where the land is carved by the intermittent drainage of W Br Twelvemile Cr and E Br Twelvemile Cr. The map reveals a landscape organized by section lines and gravel roads, including Co RD 1060 and 270 RD, which stitch together the high ground between creek beds. For those tracing family histories in the region, the placement of several small burying grounds provides essential geographic anchors. Crystal Plains Cem and Custer Cem are notable landmarks in the northern sections, while Bell Cem and Twelvemile Cem mark the southern reaches. These sites, along with the headwaters of Lindley Cr and W Oak Cr, illustrate the enduring rural character of this prairie terrain.