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1950 Map of Whitman

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Whitman
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1950
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1950

About this map

Whitman sits at the heart of this post-war Nebraska landscape, serving as a vital rail point along the Chicago Burlington and Quincy railroad. The map illustrates a ranching-dominated economy where large landholdings like the Rothwell Ranch, Dumbbell Ranch, and Monahan Ranch define the settlement patterns. This is a region of complex hydrology within the Sandhills, characterized by numerous water bodies such as Sunflower Lake, Krumpf Lake, and the meandering Middle Loup River.

Social infrastructure is represented by the isolated Red Mill School, reflecting the era's rural educational network. The topography is defined by the distinct valleys of the North Branch and Middle Branch which cut through the sandy terrain. The map also captures the administrative boundary between Cherry County and Grant County, providing a clear picture of the mid-century Nebraska cattle country before modern center-pivot irrigation altered the visible landscape.