{"product_id":"old-map-of-lake-mcconaughy-nebraska-by-usgs-1900-ogallala-north-platte-river","title":"Old Map of Lake McConaughy, Nebraska by USGS, 1900 – Ogallala \u0026 North Platte River","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe map titled “Ogallala” is a richly informative U.S. Geological Survey topographic sheet, published in 1946 using survey data rooted in 1900. At a scale of 1:125,000, it presents western Nebraska with the disciplined clarity for which the USGS became renowned: contour lines, drainage patterns, settlements, roads, township grids, and natural features brought together in a single, authoritative view. Its later imprint places the sheet in the era when Lake McConaughy had become a defining landmark of the region, while its survey lineage preserves an earlier cartographic understanding of Keith County and its surroundings. The result is a fascinating meeting point between turn-of-the-century surveying and mid-twentieth-century regional transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLake McConaughy dominates the historical interest of the map, marking one of Nebraska’s most important engineered landscapes. Created by the damming of the North Platte River, the reservoir became essential to irrigation, flood control, recreation, and wildlife habitat across the High Plains. On this map, its presence gives visual form to the dramatic reordering of water in an arid agricultural region, where rivers and reservoirs shaped settlement as much as railroads and roads. The North Platte River threads through the composition as both a natural corridor and a managed resource, linking Ogallala, Sutherland, and surrounding rural districts to the broader story of water, farming, and development in western Nebraska.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe U.S. Geological Survey’s cartographic language gives the landscape an elegant precision. Fine contour lines articulate the subtle rise and fall of Nebraska terrain, while shaded relief and restrained tonal variation lend depth to a country often mistakenly imagined as flat and featureless. Creeks, draws, river bottoms, and uplands emerge through this careful topographic treatment, revealing the texture of a working High Plains environment. Cottonwood Creek, Snake River, and smaller drainage features appear as part of a wider hydrological network feeding or paralleling the North Platte system. The map’s quiet beauty lies in this balance: scientific exactitude softened by the visual rhythm of landforms, watercourses, and gridded human order.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOgallala itself appears as a focal point of settlement and movement, a town long associated with cattle trails, rail connections, and the western frontier. By the time of this map’s publication, the region’s identity had shifted from open-range mythology toward irrigated agriculture, transportation infrastructure, and managed land use. Nearby places such as Sutherland, Grants, Cedar View, and the rural sections of Keith and Cheyenne counties suggest a dispersed but purposeful pattern of habitation. The township grids and parcel divisions are especially revealing, showing how federal surveying translated prairie and river valley into property, farms, routes, and administrative order. In this sense, the map records both geography and governance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a historical document, “Ogallala” invites comparison between the early twentieth-century landscape and the Nebraska known today. It captures a region shaped by the interplay of natural drainage, agricultural ambition, and large-scale environmental alteration. Lake McConaughy’s importance to irrigation and habitat underscores the dependence of western Nebraska on carefully controlled water, while the surrounding creeks, river valleys, and uplands show the physical foundations on which that system rests. The map is compelling not merely because it locates towns and terrain, but because it preserves a moment of transition: a High Plains landscape becoming modern, engineered, cultivated, and deeply tied to the management of the North Platte River.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLake McConaughy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNorth Platte River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeith County\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOgallala\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSutherland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSnake River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCottonwood Creek\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCedar View\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheyenne County\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious unnamed sections, grids, and parcels of land within the surveyed area\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey as a historical 1:125,000 topographical map of the Ogallala area in Nebraska.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBased on survey data from 1900, with a publication imprint dated 1946.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePublished by the US Geological Survey, known for authoritative geological and topographical mapping in the United States.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses a classic topographic style with contour lines to indicate elevation changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures detailed relief and shading to give depth to the landscape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDepicts variations in elevation and landforms characteristic of the Nebraska terrain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides insight into early 20th-century land use and topographical features.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighlights historical changes in agricultural practices, land ownership, and environmental alterations in the region.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887776661895,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887776694663,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887776727431,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887776760199,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887776792967,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887776825735,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887776858503,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887776891271,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887776924039,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887776956807,"sku":null,"price":73.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887776989575,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887777022343,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887777055111,"sku":null,"price":79.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887777087879,"sku":null,"price":229.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887777120647,"sku":null,"price":259.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887777153415,"sku":null,"price":73.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887777186183,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887777218951,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887777251719,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887777284487,"sku":null,"price":249.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887777317255,"sku":null,"price":269.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887777350023,"sku":null,"price":88.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887777382791,"sku":null,"price":249.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887777415559,"sku":null,"price":269.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887777448327,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887777481095,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887777513863,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887777546631,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887777579399,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887777612167,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887777644935,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887777677703,"sku":null,"price":765.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887777710471,"sku":null,"price":720.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887777743239,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887777776007,"sku":null,"price":930.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887777808775,"sku":null,"price":875.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887777841543,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887777874311,"sku":null,"price":1400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887777907079,"sku":null,"price":1300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67887777939847,"sku":null,"price":565.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67887777972615,"sku":null,"price":1975.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67887778005383,"sku":null,"price":1875.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_6fac1c98-6a1c-4c43-84d4-26d4bc427cb7.jpg?v=1793724922","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.co.uk\/fr\/products\/old-map-of-lake-mcconaughy-nebraska-by-usgs-1900-ogallala-north-platte-river","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}