1979 Map of Stratton NW

About this map

South Fork Republican River meanders across this High Plains landscape, defining the local hydrology alongside its tributary, Hell Creek. The 1970s terrain is characterized by a sparse, systematic grid of section lines and range boundaries, including Range 48 West and Range 47 West, which reflect the organized agricultural and ranching layout of Kit Carson County. Grounded in this rural environment are specialized features such as Garner and numerous scattered wells, indicating the vital role of groundwater for local survival and operations. Industrial activity is visible through several Gravel Pits located near the riverbanks, suggesting local extraction of materials for roads and infrastructure. This survey provides a clear look at the landscape just before the turn of the decade, where the economy was tied closely to the land and the intermittent water sources of the eastern plains.