2013 Map of Alpha

About this map

The settlement of Alpha and the rural community of Richfield anchor this portion of Fayette County, where the agricultural landscape is shaped by a distinct network of waterways. The Little Wapsipinicon River meanders through the southern and western sections, while the Volga River drainage defines the eastern side of the quadrangle. These river systems, along with tributaries like Haugh Cr and Marsh Cr, historically dictated the placement of early homesteads and road networks in this part of Iowa. The map reveals a strictly regulated grid of section-line roads, including Johnsons Mill Rd and Xavier Rd, which cut across the natural curves of the river valleys. This 2013 survey provides a clear view of the modern rural infrastructure, showing how modern county roads like Y Ave and Vanderbilt Ave maintain the historic boundaries established during the state's initial settlement.