2017 Map of Bedford

About this map

Bedford and Assyria anchor this 2017 study of the rural borderlands between Barry and Calhoun Counties. The landscape is defined by a dense concentration of kettle lakes and wetlands, including Bristol Lake, Saint Marys Lake, and the expansive Wabason Lake. These water bodies are connected by a network of small drainages like Wabason Creek and Wanadoga Cr, which navigate the undulating glacial topography. The settlement pattern remains largely agricultural, punctuated by numerous small cemeteries that serve as vital landmarks for local history and genealogy. Notable sites such as Checkered Cem, Iden Cem, and Ellis Cem are scattered across the townships, often positioned near historic crossroads like Lacey. The map documents a quiet, water-rich region where legacy family names are preserved on rural routes like Hutchinson Rd and S Schreiner Rd, maintaining a character distinct from the more developed areas to the south.