1985 Map of Sharon Springs

About this map

The Smoky Hill River and its various tributaries carve through the High Plains landscape of Western Kansas, defining a region where transportation history and geography are deeply intertwined. This mid-1980s data highlights the approximate route of the Butterfield Overland Trail and the Butterfield Old Trail, historical paths that predated the Union Pacific Railroad corridor running through Sharon Springs and Weskan. The map captures the transition from the Harrison Flats to the more dissected terrain of the Red Hills and Chalk Buttes, providing a clear view of the drainage patterns of Ladder Creek and Pond Creek. Genealogical interest is found in the scattered settlements like Russell Springs and Logansport, alongside the historic Fort Wallace (Site). Land use is further illustrated by the Logan County State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area and several small aviation landmarks like the Walker Landing Strip.