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1983 Map of Benzonia

Name: 1983 Topographic Map of Benzonia
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

Betsie River meanders through the heart of this landscape, carving a valley that separates the northern settlements from the southern townships of Joyfield and Pleasanton. The 1983 environment shows a well-established network of rural section roads, including Ballard Road and Zimmerman Road, which serve a mix of forest and agricultural lands. Benzonia stands as a primary focal point in the northwest, while the southeastern corner is dominated by the dense canopy of the Pere Marquette State Forest.

Evidence of community life and regional infrastructure is visible through landmarks such as the Benzie County Central High Sch and the Joyfield Cem. The topography is defined by significant elevations like the Bugai Hills and the winding course of the North Branch Herring Creek. This survey captures a moment when the transition between Benzie and Manistee counties remained largely rural, centered on small settlements like Homestead and Joyfield.