Matt, if you look around you town where you live, you will see that even though the surrounding towns did not survive their communities are still no more than 14 or 15 miles apart.

Take Henryetta, Ok. where I grew up for instance. The farthest "City" away from Henryetta is McAlester going South, but between Henryetta and McAlester are several communities, such as Dustin 10 miles, Indianola 25 mile, and then McAlester at 35 mile. The same going north is Schulter 7 mile, Okmulgee 14 mile, Beggs 21 mile Glenpool 35 mile and then Tulsa 55mile.

If you are marching you know how far the next community is, if you pass it you know how far you went from it.

From Henryetta it goes East and West the same and can be done in most States the same way.

P.S.
I was taught that the only Stupid question is the one that was not asked.