1958 Map of Bonne Terre

About this map

Industrial history and civic development define Bonne Terre, a core community in the Missouri Lead Belt as it stood during the mid-20th century. The town is marked by its proximity to mineral extraction, with a prominent Mine Dump and the Lead Belt Tech Sch reflecting the local economy. The Missouri Pacific railroad winds through the landscape, connecting the main settlement to East Bonne Terre and Hoffman Junction. Beyond the urban center, the terrain is carved by the Big River and its numerous tributaries, including Coonville Creek and Terre Bleue Creek. For genealogists, the map is a dense record of family and community burial sites, ranging from the large St Francois Cemetery to more specialized locations like the Smallpox Cem and several smaller family-named plots such as Appleberry Cem and Settle Cem. Further south, the settlements of Desloge and Cantwell appear near the river’s bend, illustrating the linear growth of the mining district.