1985 Map of Smith Center

About this map

The Geographic Center of 48 States serves as a landmark for this North Central Kansas landscape, where the prairie grid is defined by a dense network of river forks and agricultural settlements. Towns like Smith Center and Mankato anchor the region, connected by the Missouri Pacific railroad line and federal highways. The landscape transitions from the river valleys of the North Fork Solomon River and White Rock Creek to significant water management features, including the expansive Waconda Lake and Lovewell Reservoir. This mid-1980s data highlights the established patterns of Smith and Jewell Counties, featuring numerous rural schools and churches often marked by quarries and small aviation sites like the Municipal Airport near Mankato. Local heritage is preserved in sites such as Fairview Cem and the surrounding wildlife areas that follow the natural drainage of Buffalo Creek and its branches.