1966 Map of Shirley Creek

About this map

Shirley Creek carves a deep, winding path through this corner of western Kansas, defining the topographic character of the High Plains landscape. In the mid-1960s, this area straddled the border of Hamilton Co and Kearny Co, partitioned into the civil townships of Liberty, Kendall, West Hibbard, and Hartland. The map reveals a transition from traditional agricultural land use toward energy extraction, evidenced by a Pipeline cutting across the sections and several energy sites including a Gas Well and other scattered wells in the southern reaches. Social infrastructure is sparse but notable, centered on a lone Community Hall that served the rural families of the West Hibbard district. The fine red dashed lines throughout the map provide an intricate view of property boundaries, showing how the vast open plains were meticulously fenced and managed during this era of 20th-century ranching and farming.