1890 Map of Wellington

About this map

Wellington and the surrounding townships of Sumner County are defined by an expansive grid of agricultural sections and a burgeoning rail network in the late 19th century. Surveyed in 1887, this map illustrates the pivotal role of transportation in Kansas settlement, with the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad and the Chicago Kansas and Nebraska Railroad converging at major hubs. The Arkansas River meanders through the eastern portion of the sheet, providing a natural corridor for towns like Oxford and the mineral springs at Geuda Springs. Smaller, specialized settlements such as Seely, Cicero, and Rome appear as vital local centers for the farming townships of Seventy Six and Palestine. The density of named creeks, including Shoo Fly Creek and Bitter Creek, highlights the importance of water access for the region's early cattle and wheat economy.