1974 Map of Woods

About this map

The High Plains of Southwest Kansas are defined here by a systematic grid of pipelines and numerous gas wells, illustrating the intensive energy development across Stevens and Seward Counties in the mid-1970s. The small settlement of Woods serves as a central point along the sectional roads, while the surrounding landscape is marked by community landmarks such as Lone Star Ch and the Pleasant Valley Community Hall. This survey captures the transition of the prairie into a hub of extraction and utility, where natural resource infrastructure like the Sandpit and various energy conduits integrate with traditional rural life. The topography is subtle, showing the wide expanses within the Center, Liberal, and Banner townships before modern irrigation further altered the surface patterns.