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1955 Map of Woodward

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Woodward
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

Cimarron River and North Canadian River valleys define the mid-century landscape of Northwest Oklahoma and Southern Kansas, where an extensive network of small farming and ranching communities is supported by major rail lines. The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe and Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroads connect the region's scattered settlements, from Speermoore in the west to the dense Oil Fields further east.

Conservation and recreation are prominent on this sheet, marked by the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge surrounding Great Salt Plains Lake and the distinct geography of Little Sahara State Park. The map captures a moment when local infrastructure was heavily influenced by the petroleum industry, with numerous gas fields and oil wells mapped alongside rural centers like Laverne, Buffalo, and Alva. Military presence is also noted at Vance AF Base, reflecting the post-war strategic importance of the region.