1974 Map of Alma

About this map

The Mississippi River corridor dominates this 1970s survey, where the river's complex braided channels and backwaters define the boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin. On the Wisconsin side, the city of Alma is tucked between the river and steep bluffs, notable for the massive Lock and Dam No 4 and the Burlington Northern railroad lines. Across the water in Minnesota, the landscape opens into the Minnesota Memorial Hardwood State Forest and the Mc Carthy Lake State Wildlife Management Area, showing a terrain shaped by the confluence of the Zumbro River. This era reflects a highly managed river system, documented by numerous gaging stations and lights navigation aids. Smaller settlements like Kellogg, Minneiska, and West Newton anchor the floodplain, while the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroad traces the western shore through Gorman.