1950 Map of Sparks

About this map

The Niobrara River winds through this mid-century landscape, carving a deep valley that defines the boundary between the northern sandhills and the sprawling Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Established on the grounds of the former Fort Niobrara Military Reservation, this area serves as a critical conservation zone featuring landmarks like Cornell Dam and the scenic Fort Falls. To the south, the Chicago and North Western railroad cuts across the prairie, serving the small siding at Thatcher and connecting the remote ranching country to wider markets.