1960 Map of De Soto

About this map

The rail and river geography of Jefferson County comes into focus in this mid-century topographic study, centered on the growing community of De Soto. The town is bisected by the Missouri Pacific railroad, reflecting its long history as a hub for transportation and transit. To the north, the county seat of Hillsboro sits near the headwaters of Belew Creek, while the planned recreational waters of Lake Wauwanoka define the northeastern landscape. The terrain is deeply carved by the Joachim Creek and its many tributaries like Fritz Creek and Cotter Creek, creating a network of ridges and hollows that shaped the placement of local landmarks. Genealogical and local history points of interest are numerous, including Mt St Clements College, the Oak Ridge Ch, and several rural burial sites such as the Victoria Cem and Good Shepherd Cem.