1912 Map of Deerwood

About this map

Mille Lacs Lake dominates the southeastern corner of this 1912 survey, providing a clear view of the shoreline before decades of development. The landscape is a dense network of glacial basins, where the waters of Bay Lake and Farm Island Lake are surrounded by small rural school districts and family landmarks. This era marks the height of the Cuyuna Iron Range boom, evidenced by the industrial footprints of Crosby and Ironton in the northwest. These mining centers are heavily served by the Northern Pacific and Soo Line railroads, which cut through the complex terrain of Serpent Lake. Local history is preserved through numerous rural school sites like Eaton School and School No 25, alongside the remote Davis Church and small settlements like Garrison and Bennettville. The map illustrates the transition from a wilderness of timber and water to a region defined by mineral extraction and early lakeside residency.