1949 Map of Black Creek

About this map

Bear Lake and its surrounding glacial kettle lakes dominate this Michigan interior during the mid-twentieth century, showing a landscape defined by state forestry and military training. Much of the southern quadrangle is occupied by the Camp Grayling Military Reservation, a key site for the Michigan National Guard, which borders the winding Manistee River. The river corridor is flanked by the Richardson Swamp, while the northern hills are heavily forested under the joint designation of the Au Sable State Forest Higgins Lake State Forest. Local water systems including Black Creek, Mallard Lake, and the series of Upper Black Lakes provide a clear view of the region's hydrology before modern development. In an area otherwise defined by natural features, the presence of unidentified Ruins suggests the site of previous structures or encampments.