1906 Map of Decorah

About this map

The Upper Iowa River carves a winding path through the limestone bluffs of the Driftless Area, anchoring the regional center of Decorah. At the turn of the century, this landscape was defined by its transition from high prairie to deep river valleys, supporting a dense network of early townships and agricultural settlements. The convergence of the Chicago Milwaukee and St. Paul RR and the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific RR at hubs like Calmar and Ossian illustrates the era's dependence on rail for moving grain and livestock.