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1965 Map of Elgin

Name: 1965 Topographic Map of Elgin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The Turkey River valley dominates this mid-1960s Iowa landscape, where the settlements of Clermont and Elgin serve as focal points for the surrounding townships. The route of the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroad traces the river's winding path through Pleasant Valley, connecting smaller locales like Brainard and the rural crossroads of Illyria. The topography is defined by significant drainage systems including Otter Creek, Beaver Creek, and Mink Creek, which cut through the uplands to meet the Turkey River.

Local civic life is reflected in the distribution of rural landmarks, such as Valley High School and Valley Municipal Airport. Genealogists will find several burial grounds including St Peters Cem, Gods Acres Cem, and Pleasant Grove Cem near the Gospel Message Ch. Industrial activity is evident in the numerous quarries dotting the landscape, while the Mill Race in Elgin points to the historical water-powered commerce of the region.