1985 Map of Elkhart

About this map

The St. Joseph River and its major tributaries, including the Fawn River and Pigeon River, anchor this mid-1980s landscape across the Michigan-Indiana border. This regional survey captures the industrial and agricultural heart of the Michiana region, centered on the urban hub of Elkhart and the academic presence of Goshen College. The map illustrates a high density of glacial lakes, such as Diamond Lake and Coldwater Lake, which contrast with the agricultural expanses of Baldwin Prairie and Nottawa Prairie. Transportation corridors dominate the settlement patterns, with the Indiana Toll Road and major rail lines like Conrail and the Grand Trunk Western Railroad connecting manufacturing centers like Sturgis and Coldwater. Significant conservation areas, including the Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area and Pokagon State Park, provide a detailed view of the preserved wetlands and forests that break up the grid of farms and small settlements like Mottville and Constantine.