1960 Map of De Soto

About this map

De Soto and the surrounding Jefferson County hillsides appear here during a period of established growth along the Missouri Pacific railroad. The town center is densely plotted with landmarks such as Ritcher Park, Spross Park, and the High School, while the southern outskirts are anchored by the campus of Mt St Clements College. The landscape is defined by the winding course of Joachim Creek and a network of valleys including Shepley Hollow and Butcher Branch. Evidence of mid-century community life is visible in the Drive-in Theater along the highway and the residential development surrounding Lake Wauwanoka to the northeast. Local history is deeply etched into the terrain through numerous small cemeteries and rural congregations like Luckey Ch and Oak Ridge Ch, reflecting the scattered settlement patterns of the Central and Valle townships.