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1947 Map of Draper

Name: 1947 Topographic Map of Draper
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1947
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1947

About this map

The Chippewa River and its numerous tributaries, including Thornapple Creek and the Brunet River, dominate this mid-century landscape in the Chequamegon National Forest. This era of Sawyer County history is characterized by the transition from heavy logging to managed forestry and emerging recreation, evidenced by the presence of numerous specialized camps such as Old Le May Camp and Old Christmas Camp. The small settlements of Loretta and Draper serve as the primary hubs along the Minneapolis St Paul and Sault Ste Marie Railway and State Highway No 70.

Genealogists and local historians can locate the Loretta Cem and the Barber Lake Sch near Island Lake, providing specific anchors for former residents. The map also documents an abandoned CCC Camp, illustrating the enduring influence of New Deal-era infrastructure on the Wisconsin Northwoods. Fire prevention is clearly a priority of the time, with several lookout points including the Black Lake Fire Tower and the Winter Fire Tower positioned across the wooded terrain.