1953 Map of Ravenna NW

About this map

The Middle Loup River valley dominates this Sherman County landscape, where the braided river channel and its wide floodplain are flanked by an intricate network of irrigation infrastructure. This 1953 survey, conducted as part of the Missouri River Basin development program, shows the engineering of Canal No 3 and Canal No 4 cutting across the terrain to support local agriculture. The Union Pacific railroad runs parallel to the river's eastern bank, serving a rural economy anchored by family-named landmarks and local school districts. Genealogists will find a high density of one-room schoolhouses, including Hawk Sch, Austin Sch, and Fletcher Sch, alongside the Austin Cem and Verdurette Cem, providing a detailed look at the mid-century settlement pattern across Webster and Loup City townships.