1955 Map of De Soto SE

About this map

The Jefferson Co St Francois Co boundary line bisects this 1930s landscape, where rural communities like Vineland and Blackwell are defined by their proximity to the Missouri Pacific railroad. The mapping, which was compiled in part from Air Corps aerial photography, reveals a dense network of country schools that served isolated ridge and valley homesteads, including Mothershead Sch, Dripping Spring Sch, and McGehan Sch. In the southern reaches of the quadrangle, the St Francois County Railroad follows the path of the St Francois River, serving the small settlement of Melzo. The terrain is deeply dissected by the Big River and Joachim Creek, where family histories are recorded at the Joachim Cem and Vineyard Cem. Significant transportation infrastructure is visible at the Tunnel Sta and Silver Springs Sta, highlighting the importance of rail transit before the dominance of the Old State Highway.