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1976 Map of Blackduck

Name: 1976 Topographic Map of Blackduck
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

Lower Red Lake and the Red Lake Indian Reservation anchor the northwestern portion of this mid-1970s survey, illustrating a landscape defined by expansive wetlands and timber management. The region's transport and industrial roots are visible in the tracks of the Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern railroads, which connected timber outposts and small agricultural centers. Several lookout towers, including the Northome Lookout Tower and Blackduck Lookout Tower, reflect the active forest fire surveillance system within the Chippewa National Forest and surrounding state forests.

Concentrated settlements such as Blackduck, Kelliher, and Northome serve as primary hubs amidst a dense network of lakes like Blackduck Lake, Pimushe Lake, and Lake Bemidji. The map captures a moment when smaller communities like Quiring, Shooks, and Mizpah still maintained distinct identities along the county roads. The varied terrain includes the South Branch Battle River and Big Fork River, which drainage systems have historically dictated the placement of roads and early logging camps throughout Beltrami and Itasca counties.