1954 Map of Elsah

About this map

Portage Des Sioux and Elsah anchor the high bluffs and river bottoms where the Mississippi River and Missouri River converge. This mid-century survey reveals a landscape shaped by river transport and education, dominated by the campus of Principia College overlooking the water. The Illinois shoreline features the scenic McAdams Highway winding past Elsah Bar, while the Missouri side is characterized by expansive floodplains and the tracks of the Burlington Northern. Rural life is evidenced by the Independence Sch and the clustered settlements of Beltrees and Clifton Terrace. Large river islands like Portage Island and Dresser Island fragment the channel, showing the complex hydrology of the reach. Notable landmarks include the St Francis Cem and various river-related infrastructure such as the Powerplant and multiple levees designed to manage the seasonal flows of the great river system.