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1953 Map of Bevier South

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Bevier South
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1979
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1979

About this map

Bevier and its surrounding coal-rich landscape dominate this survey, which captures the industrial character of southern Macon County during the mid-20th century. The map reveals an extensive network of extractive industry, with numerous Strip Mine operations and mine sites scattered between the rural settlements of Keota, Ardmore, and Binkley. The local economy is further illustrated by the presence of the Bevier and Southern and Chicago Burlington and Quincy railroads, which facilitated the movement of goods through the region.

Water management and landscape transformation are evident in the southwestern corner, where the Thomas Hill Reservoir has altered the path of the Middle Fork Little Chariton River. Rural life is anchored by traditional landmarks like New Salem Ch, Antioch Ch, and local schoolhouses such as Greenwood Sch and Thurman Sch. These features, along with the distinct townships of Hudson and Chariton, provide a detailed record of Missouri's coal country before later reclamation and development projects changed the terrain.