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1950 Map of Spring Valley

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Spring Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1950
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1950

About this map

The Nebraska Sandhills in western Grant County are defined here by an intricate network of basins and valleys that supported a mid-century ranching economy. This landscape is marked by numerous natural catchments and aquifers, as evidenced by the high concentration of Flowing Well labels and prominent water bodies like Long Lake, Moran Lake, and Spring Valley Lake. The settlement pattern follows these low-lying areas, with several named valleys such as Handlin Valley, Pratt Valley, and Vinton Valley serving as the primary corridors for travel and habitation.

Local infrastructure for the rural population is anchored by small schoolhouses, including Rose Hill Sch, School No 8, and School No 2. The map illustrates the region's reliance on these specific valley routes, with the drainage and terrain dictating the placement of ranch sites and windmills. From the northern reaches of Hardy Valley to the southern Claw Hammer Lake, the survey provides a detailed look at the hydrology and land use in this specialized section of the Great Plains just after the war.