1983 Map of Sparks

About this map

The Niobrara River carves a deep valley through this landscape along the border of Todd and Cherry Counties, where the water meets the dramatic terrain of Flattop. The map captures a transition from the northern reaches of the Rosebud Indian Res in South Dakota down into the Nebraska sandhills. This survey illustrates the rural infrastructure of the early 1980s, highlighting river crossings such as Berry Bridge, Allen Bridge, and Brewer Bridge. Local social centers are anchored by the Kewanee community, featuring the Kewanee Sch, Kewanee Cem, and the nearby St Joseph Cem. To the east, the small settlement of Sparks sits near the river's edge, while the hydraulic importance of the waterway is noted at the Gaging Station and the landmark Smith Falls.