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1918 Map of Altenburg

Name: 1918 Topographic Map of Altenburg
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1918
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1918

About this map

The Mississippi River creates a dramatic boundary between Missouri and Illinois on this preliminary survey from 1915. Centered on the riverside landscape of Perry and Jackson counties, the map highlights the intricate relationship between the river's shifting path and human commerce. Riverboat traffic is well-documented through historic points like Upper Wilkinson Landing and Brunkhurst Landing, while the inland geography is defined by a massive Drainage Ditch system designed to reclaim fertile bottomlands for farming.

Local life is anchored by small settlements like Jacob and Neunert, along with rural institutions such as Hanlein School and School No 122. The terrain is dominated by the prominent Fountain Bluff and the curiously named Devils Bake Oven near Grand Tower. Transportation is represented by the Missouri Pacific railroad, which cuts through the bluffs, following the river valley through Castle Hollow to support the era's regional trade and travel.