2015 Map of Blanchard Island

About this map

Mississippi River floodplains define this landscape along the border of Iowa and Illinois, where the shifting waters have carved a complex network of islands and chutes. The settlement of Fruitland sits on the western edge of the quadrangle, bordering the expansive Muscatine Island. This region is characterized by an intricate drainage system including Frieden Ditch, Hampton Ditch, and Muscatine Slough, reflecting a history of land management for the fertile bottomlands. Genealogy researchers will find several notable local burial grounds, such as Reynolds Cem, Island Cem, and Glancy Cem, positioned on higher ground away from the river’s edge. Significant river features like Blanchard Island, Kilpeck Island, and Ramsey Island emphasize the river's historical role as both a boundary and a vital corridor for the region.