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1915 Map of Crystal City

Name: 1915 Topographic Map of Crystal City
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1950
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1950

About this map

Crystal City and neighboring Festus serve as the industrial anchors of this landscape, situated where the high bluffs overlook the Mississippi River. In the early twentieth century, the region's economy was defined by its mineral wealth and river-rail connections, illustrated by the presence of Silica and Hematite, and the specialized works at Valles Mines. The St. Louis - San Francisco Railway and the St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway weave through the rugged drainages of Joachim Creek and Plattin Creek, providing the vital links necessary for the area's glass-making and mining sectors.

Rural life is remarkably well-documented across the hilly terrain of Jefferson County, with numerous family-named landmarks and local institutions. From the Telegraph School and McMullen School to isolated river landings like Kemper Ldg, the map reveals a network of small communities and pioneer roads. Notable features like Buck Knob and the various islands — Calico Island, Harlow Island, and Rush Island — highlight the dynamic nature of the river boundary before modern navigation controls were fully established.