Loading map...

1908 Map of Bloomington

Name: 1908 Topographic Map of Bloomington
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Bloomington serves as the focal point of this Southern Indiana landscape during the first decade of the twentieth century, with the burgeoning campus of Indiana University situated on the eastern edge of the city grid. The region’s economic foundation in limestone and rail transport is clearly visible through the numerous quarry spurs and sidings, such as Diamond Quarry Switch, Acme Switch, and Johnston Switch. Four major railroads, including the Chicago Indianapolis & Louisville RR and the Southern Indiana RR, converge here, facilitating the movement of materials and people across Monroe and Greene counties.

Rural life is densely documented through a network of one-room schoolhouses and country churches. Unique landmarks like the County Farm and Waterworks School sit alongside named settlements such as Ellettsville and Harrodsburg. The terrain is deeply etched by the drainage of Bean Blossom Creek and Salt Creek, creating a landscape where small hamlets like Victor and Sanders PO grew around local industry and trade routes.