2015 Map of Sussex

About this map

Sussex serves as the central focal point in this Johnson County landscape, situated where the high plains meet the intricate winding of the Powder River. The river's serpentine path dominates the northern half of the sheet, creating a complex series of oxbows and bends that likely dictated the placement of early ranching infrastructure. To the south, the terrain becomes increasingly fractured by an extensive system of natural drainage features, most notably Deadman Draw, Jenks Draw, and Andrews Draw, which carve through the arid topography toward the high point at Chalk Butte. The nomenclature of the land reveals a legacy of local orientation, from the distinct formation known as The Chimney to the various named canyons such as West Carpenter Canyon. The presence of Patrick Reservoir and several named springs suggests the critical importance of water management in this high-altitude environment, while the path of Lower Sussex Rd provides the primary artery for movement through the basin.