2010 Map of Blackhawk

About this map

The Mississippi River dominates the western edge of this landscape, carving a complex network of backwaters and islands including Apple River Island and Railroad Island. This 2010 survey reveals a riverine economy where the Apple River meets the main channel near Arnold Landing and the small settlement of Blackhawk. Inland, the terrain is defined by the winding course of Rush Creek and numerous family-named roads that suggest a deep-rooted agricultural community. Genealogists will find significant value in the distribution of rural burial grounds, such as Morrison Cemetery and Massbach Cemetery, which are scattered among the ridges and hills like Heer Hill. The southern reach of the quadrangle shows the river widening into Buffalo Lake near Lainsville, highlighting the shifting hydrologic boundary between Illinois and Iowa. This document captures the intersection of major water transport routes and the quiet, upland townships of Jo Daviess County.