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1948 Map of Reserve SE

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Reserve SE
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1989
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1989

About this map

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge dominates the southern landscape of this Sheridan County survey, showing a complex system of water management within the prairie pothole region. This area, mapped between 1946 and 1948 with later revisions, reveals a rural economy transitioning from early homesteading to a more regulated agricultural and conservationist layout. The presence of numerous structures like Dam No 11 and Dam No 12 along Sand Creek and Cottonwood Creek highlights the critical role of water control in this high-plains environment.

Local social centers and community landmarks are clearly visible, though the landscape shows signs of change by the late 20th century. While Dagmar Ch and the Eden Valley Cem remain as focal points for family history, the labeling of the Hawthorne Sch (Aband) and Richwine Sch (Aband) reflects the consolidation of rural school districts. The map is further characterized by an extensive network of resource exploration, indicated by numerous Drill Holes and several petroleum-related Tanks across the sections.