{"product_id":"old-map-of-manhattan-kansas-by-usgs-1947-fort-riley-wamego-kansas-river","title":"Old Map of Manhattan, Kansas by USGS, 1947 – Fort Riley, Wamego \u0026 Kansas River","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished in 1954 using survey data gathered in 1947, the United States Geological Survey’s “Manhattan Quadrangle” captures a mid-century portrait of northeastern Kansas with remarkable precision. Centered on Manhattan, Kansas, the map presents the city not merely as a point of settlement, but as part of a larger geographical system shaped by rivers, hills, farms, roads, railways, and military land. At a 1:62,500 scale, it balances broad regional context with fine topographic detail, making the surrounding terrain legible through carefully drawn contour lines. The result is a richly informative view of the Manhattan area at a moment when postwar America was expanding, modernizing, and increasingly dependent on accurate land surveys for planning, transportation, agriculture, and development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe US Geological Survey brought to this map the institutional rigor that made its quadrangles indispensable tools for engineers, land managers, educators, and local authorities. Founded in the late nineteenth century, the USGS became the nation’s foremost authority on systematic mapping, combining field survey, geodetic measurement, and cartographic discipline. In the “Manhattan Quadrangle,” that legacy is evident in the clarity of its relief depiction: hills rise and fall through contour intervals, valleys are articulated with quiet precision, and waterways thread naturally through the landscape. Rather than emphasizing ornament, the map’s beauty lies in its exactness. It is a document of scientific confidence, reflecting a period when topographic mapping was central to understanding and organizing the American landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManhattan itself appears within a dynamic setting defined by the meeting of landforms and watercourses. The Kaw River, also known as the Kansas River, anchors the southern portion of the region, while the Blue River helps shape the terrain around the city. Their valleys, floodplains, and adjoining uplands are rendered through the map’s subtle elevation language, revealing why settlement, transportation, and agriculture developed where they did. Nearby roads and railway lines trace the practical routes through this varied countryside, linking Manhattan to smaller communities, farms, and regional markets. The map preserves a landscape in transition: still deeply rural, yet increasingly connected by the infrastructures that would accelerate growth in the decades after the Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo the west, Fort Riley and its associated Military Reservation add another powerful historical dimension to the quadrangle. Established in the nineteenth century, Fort Riley played a major role in frontier military history and later in the development of modern U.S. Army training. Its presence on the map underscores how military geography, transportation corridors, and civilian settlement intertwined in this part of Kansas. The reservation’s boundaries contrast with the surrounding agricultural parcels and communities, giving the viewer a sense of differing land uses held side by side. Nearby Wamego, Pottawatomie Lake, and the rural settlements east of Manhattan broaden the scene, suggesting a region shaped by farming, mobility, defense, and small-town life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe broader landscape belongs to the Flint Hills region, one of the defining natural features of Kansas. The map’s topographic treatment is especially well suited to this country, where rolling uplands, limestone ridges, stream valleys, and open prairie create a subtle but distinctive relief. Contour lines reveal the undulating character of the hills far more effectively than a simple road map could, allowing the viewer to read the land almost as one might experience it from a high overlook. As a historical artifact, the “Manhattan Quadrangle” offers a valuable benchmark for comparing mid-twentieth-century land use with the present day. It records an era before later urban expansion transformed portions of the Manhattan area, preserving the geography of a changing Kansas landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManhattan, Kansas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFort Riley\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWamego\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilitary Reservation near Fort Riley\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKaw River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePottawatomie Lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlint Hills region\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoads and railway lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall rural communities and agricultural areas surrounding Manhattan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMap name: Manhattan Quadrangle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:62,500 topographical map of Manhattan, Kansas and the surrounding area\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBased on survey data from 1947 and published with a 1954 imprint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses detailed topographic relief to show elevation changes, hills, rivers, and valleys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes contour lines and shading, reflecting the USGS emphasis on topographical accuracy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides insight into mid-20th-century land use, urban development, and geographical change around Manhattan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReflects the USGS tradition of producing geographic data for land use planning, resource management, and surveying applications\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":58764574097792,"sku":null,"price":84.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764574130560,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764574163328,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764574196096,"sku":null,"price":84.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764574228864,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764574261632,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764574294400,"sku":null,"price":135.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764574327168,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764574359936,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764574392704,"sku":null,"price":157.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764574425472,"sku":null,"price":343.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764574458240,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764574491008,"sku":null,"price":178.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764574523776,"sku":null,"price":514.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764574556544,"sku":null,"price":579.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764574589312,"sku":null,"price":157.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764574622080,"sku":null,"price":343.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764574654848,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764574687616,"sku":null,"price":189.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764574720384,"sku":null,"price":514.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764574753152,"sku":null,"price":579.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764574785920,"sku":null,"price":189.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764574818688,"sku":null,"price":514.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764574851456,"sku":null,"price":579.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764574884224,"sku":null,"price":247.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764574916992,"sku":null,"price":707.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764574949760,"sku":null,"price":707.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764574982528,"sku":null,"price":247.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764575015296,"sku":null,"price":707.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764575048064,"sku":null,"price":707.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764575080832,"sku":null,"price":354.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764575113600,"sku":null,"price":1638.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764575146368,"sku":null,"price":1542.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764575179136,"sku":null,"price":536.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764575211904,"sku":null,"price":1991.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764575244672,"sku":null,"price":1874.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764575277440,"sku":null,"price":653.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764575310208,"sku":null,"price":2998.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764575342976,"sku":null,"price":2784.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764575375744,"sku":null,"price":1210.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764575408512,"sku":null,"price":4229.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764575441280,"sku":null,"price":4015.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_c5820cf1-e692-4f42-9955-50bf933871b1.jpg?v=1787585164","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.net\/fr\/products\/old-map-of-manhattan-kansas-by-usgs-1947-fort-riley-wamego-kansas-river","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}