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1968 Map of Blue Rapids SW

Name: 1968 Topographic Map of Blue Rapids SW
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

The Big Blue River valley and its surrounding uplands are captured here in the late 1960s, a period marked by the significant landscape transformation of the Tuttle Creek Reservoir. The southeastern corner of the map shows the reservoir's reach, including the Tuttle Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Management Area and the Swede Creek Recreation Area. This water-dominated area contrasts with the high, rolling terrain of Cottage Hill and Blue Rapids to the north.

Local heritage is deeply etched into the township through its numerous burial grounds and spiritual centers, such as Czech Ch, the St Wenceslaus Cem, and the Bellegarde Cem. The map documents a rural social fabric still centered on landmarks like the Prairie Ridge Community Hall and the Center Hill Sch. In the southwest, Swede Creek and Little Swede Creek meander toward the reservoir, while aviation interest is noted by the Roepke Landing Strip near the western margin.