1955 Map of Dewey Lake NW

About this map

The Sturgeon River meanders through this mid-century landscape of northern St. Louis County, marking a complex boundary between the George Washington State Forest and the Superior National Forest. This 1955 field-checked survey reveals an area defined by its water systems and forest management rather than urban development. Small bodies of water such as Luna Lake, Perch Lake, and Shannon Lake dot the timberland, while the presence of a Gaging Station and several remote river crossings suggests the importance of hydrological monitoring in this watershed. Local industry is represented by a solitary Gravel Pit, providing a glimpse into the infrastructure needs of the surrounding townships like Morcom and French. The intricate network of forest boundaries and minor tributaries like Sand Creek and Murray Creek illustrates the rugged, sparsely populated character of the Iron Range backcountry during this era.