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1985 Map of Charles City

Name: 1985 Topographic Map of Charles City
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The Cedar River and its numerous tributaries, including Turtle Creek and Rock Creek, define the agricultural and transportation landscape across this northern Iowa and southern Minnesota border region in the mid-1980s. Centered on Charles City, the map reveals a high density of aviation landmarks, from the Charles City Municipal Airport and Mosher Airport to more informal sites like Ellen Church Field and the Bel-Air Landing Field. These airfields, combined with the presence of the Illinois Central Gulf and Chicago Milwaukee ST Paul And Pacific rail lines, highlight the area's role as a logistical hub for the surrounding farm country.

Rural life is anchored by small settlements and unique community spaces, such as the Reilly Settlement and numerous conservation areas like the Hayden Prairie State Wildlife Management Area. The landscape is dotted with several Quarries, suggesting local industry based on the underlying geology of the river valleys. For genealogists, the inclusion of Oak Lawn Cem and smaller local landmarks provides specific points of reference for family histories in and around Stacyville, Riceville, and Cresco.