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1961 Map of Big Lake

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Big Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

The Mississippi River forms a major geographic boundary in this early 1960s survey, separating Sherburne and Wright counties. The town of Big Lake serves as a hub for both transportation and recreation, situated between its namesake water body and Lake Mitchell. The landscape is defined by its glaciated hydrology, featuring numerous smaller basins such as Preusse Lake and Birch Lake, along with the winding course of the Elk River and Tibbits Brook.

Industrial and transit infrastructure is prominent, with the Great Northern railroad cutting across the territory, supporting local commerce alongside various Gravel Pits. A Landing Strip and a Radio Tower reflect mid-century modernization, while the small settlement of Bailey remains a quiet point on the map. This study provides a clear look at the area's transition into a more connected rural corridor just before the significant expansion of the interstate system.