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1951 Map of Sterling North

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Sterling North
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1972
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1972

About this map

The South Platte River corridor north of Sterling reveals a landscape defined by an intricate network of irrigation and heavy rail infrastructure. This mid-century survey illustrates how water management shaped Logan County, with numerous canals like the Sterling No 1 Ditch, Lowline Ditch, and Bravo Ditch branching away from the river to support local agriculture. The northern growth of the city is anchored by Sterling Junior College and public spaces such as Pioneer Park, while the presence of the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern railroads highlights the area's role as a vital transportation hub.

Rural life is marked by a high density of country schoolhouses, including Sanders School, Minto Valley School, and the Fairview Valley School. These localized landmarks, alongside smaller named points like Hayford and Ackerman, provide essential data for genealogists tracing the distribution of families in the river valley. The map also identifies recreational and industrial sites, from Camp Bright to various Gravel Pits, reflecting the diverse land use during the early 1950s.