1975 Map of Decorah 2 SE

About this map

The Upper Iowa River winds through this 1975 orthophotoquad, carving deep loops through the landscape of Winneshiek County. This specialized aerial-based map, produced by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Iowa Geological Survey, provides a precise visual record of land use and vegetation patterns during the mid-1970s. The settlement of Decorah is clearly visible, showing the concentrated development of the town at a significant bend in the river. Beyond the town limits, the map reveals a complex patchwork of agricultural fields and wooded bluffs. The orthophoto format is particularly valuable for researchers tracing historical field boundaries, woodlots, and the exact footprint of farmsteads as they existed decades ago, offering a literal view of the terrain that standard topographic lines cannot convey.