1929 Map of Des Arc

About this map

Annapolis and Des Arc serve as central hubs in this late 1920s survey of the St. Francois Mountains region, where the Missouri Pacific railroad dictates the pattern of valley settlement. The rail line follows the winding course of the Black River valley, connecting timber and mining towns like Vulcan, Sabula, and Chloride. This period shows a landscape densely dotted with rural community centers, including Emily's Chapel and numerous country schools such as Glover Sch and Brunot Sch that supported isolated families in the hollows.