1947 Map of Altenburg

About this map

The Mississippi River cuts a wide path through this landscape, separating the rugged bluffs of Perry County, Missouri, from the lowlands of Jackson County, Illinois. The river's influence is evident in the numerous landings and islands, such as Leimbach Landing and Lacours Island, which served the local river economy. On the Missouri side, German heritage is anchored in the settlements of Altenburg, Frohna, and Wittenberg, where narrow valleys like Boone Hollow and Sawmill Hollow drain toward the river. Transportation networks define the Illinois side, with the Missouri Pacific and Illinois Central railroads navigating the flat terrain beneath the massive Fountain Bluff. Distinctive landmarks like Tower Rock in the river and the Power Plant at Grand Tower highlight the blend of natural geological features and industrial development that characterizes this stretch of the river valley in the late 1940s.