1957 Map of Venango

About this map

The Union Pacific railroad line cuts through the northern landscape of this region, connecting the small settlements of Terra Cotta and Arcola along the banks of Spring Creek. This 1957 field-checked survey captures the area at a point of transition, dominated by the newly formed Kanopolis Reservoir and its associated infrastructure, including the Kanopolis Dam and the nearby Kanopolis Landing Field. The topography transitions from the northern drainages into the prominent Smoky Hills to the east, where the Smoky Hill Air Force Range occupies a portion of the terrain. Local history and genealogy are anchored by specific landmarks such as Terra Cotta Cem and Summit Cem, as well as the settlement of Venango situated near the reservoir's western edge. The drainage patterns of Sand Creek, Wiley Creek, and Castle Hill Creek illustrate the complex watershed that feeds into the reservoir system.