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1952 Map of Webster Dam

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Webster Dam
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1955
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1955

About this map

The South Fork Solomon River valley in Rooks County undergoes a dramatic transformation on this 1952 survey as the Webster Dam (Under Construction) begins to reshape the landscape. Broken light-blue lines clearly delineate the future reservoir boundary, showing the area destined for submergence, which includes portions of the original townsite of Webster. This map serves as a vital record for genealogists, documenting the location of Webster Cem and Mt Vernon Cem before the water levels were altered.

Upland from the river, the landscape of Sugar Loaf and Belmont is dotted with numerous Oil Wells, signifying the region's mid-century petroleum activity. Local social life is anchored at the Mt Vernon Community Hall, while the drainage network including Bow Creek, Sand Creek, and Ash Creek illustrates the complex hydrology of the Kansas plains. A Gaging Station and several small Quarry operations further reflect the intersection of engineering and natural resources during this period of development.