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1959 Map of Ashley

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Ashley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

The town of Ashley straddles the border of Steuben and DeKalb counties in this 1950s survey, serving as a hub for both the Wabash RR and the New York Central rail lines. The landscape is defined by its numerous glacial water bodies, including Long Lake, Bower Lake, and Little Turkey Lake, many of which are connected by drainage systems like the Smathers Conrad Ditch. This era shows a community rooted in small-town agriculture and transit, anchored by rural landmarks such as West Trinity Ch and St Johns Ch.

Local history and genealogy are preserved in the naming of rural features, from family burial grounds like Hollister Cem and Circle Cem to the namesake Johnson Lake. The settlement of Hudson appears as a significant neighbor to Ashley, while smaller points like Steubenville mark the eastern reaches of the county line. Infrastructure of the mid-century is evident through the prominent Telephone Line and a Microwave Tower, illustrating the technological integration of this lake-studded Indiana countryside.