1985 Map of Alma

About this map

Alma and St Louis serve as the primary hubs in this central Michigan landscape, where the Pine River snakes through a region defined by its productive farmland and extensive drainage networks. The map details a dense grid of rural settlements such as Ithaca, Middleton, and Pompeii, reflecting a well-established agricultural economy in the mid-1980s. A complex transportation web is visible, featuring the Chesapeake & Ohio RR, Ann Arbor RR, and Grand Trunk Western RR, which connect the small towns to larger markets. To the east, the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and Shiawassee River State Game Area provide a contrast to the geometric section lines, preserving wetlands and river bottoms. Local heritage is grounded in landmarks like St Andrew Ch and Oakwood Cem, while many smaller hamlets like Elm Hall and Sickles offer a view into the community structures of Gratiot and neighboring counties during this era.