1968 Map of Bertram

About this map

The Cedar River carves a dominant path through Linn County, serving as the geographic anchor for the burgeoning eastern suburbs of Cedar Rapids and the rural townships of Bertram and Putnam. In the late 1960s, the landscape reflects a transition from traditional agricultural land to suburban expansion, evidenced by residential pockets like Vernon View and Worthington Acres. The river corridor is notable for its industrial and recreational utility, featuring several Quarries and a Gravel Pit alongside the established Palisades-Kepler State Park. Local history is preserved in the smaller settlements and rural landmarks, including the Campbell Cem and Erskine Sch. A complex transportation network of three major railroads, including the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, underscores the region's importance as a Midwestern transit hub during this era.