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1967 Map of Russell NW

Name: 1967 Topographic Map of Russell NW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1968
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1968

About this map

The Saline River winds through the northern portion of this central Kansas landscape, while the southern reaches are defined by a heavy industrial footprint. The expansive Paradise Oil Field, Russell Oil Field, and Gorham Oil Field dominate the terrain, marked by a dense concentration of oil wells and drill holes that speak to the region's mid-century petroleum economy. Along the southern border, the Union Pacific railroad tracks run parallel to the small settlement of Balta, providing a critical transit link for the area's resources.

Local landmarks of the late 1960s are clearly visible, including a Drive-in Theater and a Radio Tower situated near the intersection of major transport corridors. Waterways such as Salt Creek and Fossil Creek drain the undulating plains, while a Gravel Pit indicates local quarrying activity. This survey captures a specific moment in the development of Russell County, where agriculture, industry, and early roadside entertainment coexisted on the High Plains.