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1961 Map of Bedford

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Bedford
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1962
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1962

About this map

The boundary between BARRY CO and CALHOUN CO defines the landscape of this 1961 revision, where the agricultural plains of southern Michigan meet a dense network of glacial lakes and wetlands. The settlement of Bedford sits near the southern edge, while the smaller hamlets of Lacey and Assyria anchor the northern townships. The area is marked by a high density of rural educational and religious sites, including Bethel Chapel and numerous country schools such as Monroe Sch, Poorman Sch, and Culver Sch.

Hydrological features dominate the central terrain, with Wabascon Creek feeding into the larger Wabascon Lake and St Marys Lake. These water bodies are interspersed with family-named landmarks like Ellis Cem and Lehigh Cem, providing significant touchpoints for genealogical research. The map captures a mid-century rural infrastructure just as the Marywood Country Club and various radio towers began to appear alongside traditional gravel pits and scattered farmsteads.