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1985 Map of Austin

Name: 1985 Topographic Map of Austin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest dominates the eastern portion of this regional survey, where the rugged topography of the Root River Valley contrasts with the surrounding agricultural plains. The landscape is defined by its drainage networks, including the North Branch Root River and South Fork Root River, which carve through the limestone terrain of the Driftless Area. Significant geological features such as the Niagara Cave and numerous quarries indicate the subterranean karst activity characteristic of this border region.

Transportation patterns in the mid-1980s show a transition between active and retired corridors, with the Chicago and North Western rail lines operating alongside several stretches of abandoned track and old RR grades. The proximity of the Rochester Municipal Airport and smaller settlements like Stewartville, Grand Meadow, and Spring Valley illustrates the established settlement patterns of Mower and Olmsted counties, reaching down to the Iowa state line.