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1961 Map of Decatur

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Decatur
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

Decatur serves as a central hub in this early 1960s survey of southern Ohio, where the rolling landscape is defined by the winding waters of Eagle Creek and its many tributaries. The area sits within the historic Virginia Military District, characterized by an irregular network of rural roads such as Russellville Road and Bethlehem Road that follow the natural contours of the hills. Local history is deeply rooted in the scattered religious and educational landmarks, including Bethlehem Ch, Liberty Chapel, and several buildings marked as Township Sch.

Genealogical value is found in the numerous family-named landmarks and resting places, such as Bissinger Cem and Woods Cem. Physical infrastructure of the era is evidenced by the Covered Bridge spanning the creek near Hickory Ridge. The map illustrates a rural economy reliant on the land, with small settlements like Eckmansville and Fairview connected by hollows and ridges, including Kirker Hollow and the prominent Brier Ridge.