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1967 Map of Thief River Falls

Name: 1967 Topographic Map of Thief River Falls
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

The Red River of the North defines the international and interstate character of this region, winding past the border town of Pembina where the United States and Canada meet. This mid-century landscape is dominated by the vast drainage systems of the Snake River, Tamarac River, and Pembina River, which supported an extensive network of rail-based commerce. Three major lines—the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, and Soo Line—crisscross the fertile plains, connecting agricultural centers like Grafton, Cavalier, and Thief River Falls.

Beyond the river valleys, the map captures a significant concentration of conservation areas and ridges. From Harrigan Ridge in the west to the sprawling Mud Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Thief Lake State Game Refuge in the east, the geography reflects a transition from river-bottom farming to protected marshlands. Numerous small prairie settlements, including Viking, Goodridge, and Karlstad, are documented along the highway and rail corridors, offering a clear record of the rural distribution of the Red River Valley during this era.