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1957 Map of DeMotte

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of DeMotte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

Kankakee River waters define the northern border of this landscape, where the flatlands of Northwest Indiana meet a complex network of drainage ditches that enabled the region's agricultural development. The 1957 topography reveals a rural economy centered on the New York Central railroad, which bisects the townships of Keener and Walker. The settlement of Demotte serves as a primary hub, supported by smaller locales such as Kersey and Kniman.

Land use across Union and Boone townships is characterized by large tracts of Wheatfield and scattered woodlots, punctuated by local landmarks like Deer Park. The presence of several small Cem sites provides valuable data for genealogists tracing family histories in Jasper and Porter counties. This survey, compiled from 1952 aerial photography, captures the area during a period of established drainage patterns and early post-war rural stability.