1955 Map of Scott City

About this map

The Smoky Hill River and Arkansas River define the northern and southern reaches of this Western Kansas landscape, which reflects a mid-century agricultural and rail-dependent economy. The high plains terrain is dotted with numerous rural schools such as Skyline School, Beaver Creek School, and Lone Corner School, which served the dispersed farmsteads between larger hubs like Scott City and Sharon Springs. Transportation networks are dominated by the Union Pacific and the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroads, which facilitated the movement of grain and livestock from regional points like Tribune and Oakley. A unique geological feature, the Chalk Pyramids, stands out amidst the prevailing topography of draws and creeks like White Woman Creek. Further south, the Sand hills mark the approach to the river valley, while landmarks like the Mark Hoard Mem and Dry Lake provide specific points of reference for local historians and genealogists tracing family land holdings.