1939 Map of Deer Lake

About this map

Lake Gratiot and the surrounding wilderness of the Keweenaw Peninsula were captured in this 1939 survey, just prior to the mid-century shifts in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The landscape is defined by its complex hydrology, where the Little Gratiot River flows through the northern reaches while the Big Betsy River and Little Betsy River wind toward the shoreline. A notable marker of the local community at this time is the Betsy River Sch, situated near the mouth of the river at Betsy Bay. The coast of Lake Superior features distinctive landmarks such as Black Rock Pt, providing critical orientation for maritime researchers. This map documents a period when the timber and coastal economy shaped the placement of schools and settlements along the rugged northern shore, offering a clear view of the area's geography before significant modern development.