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1956 Map of Ephrata

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Ephrata
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

Ephrata and its surrounding boroughs define this mid-century landscape in Lancaster County, where the transition from traditional Pennsylvania German farmsteads to modern infrastructure is clearly visible. The Reading railroad line and the Pennsylvania Turnpike cut through the terrain, illustrating the region's importance as a transportation corridor. Numerous small schools such as Metzler Sch and Fetter Sch appear alongside a high density of country churches like Zion Ch and Hans Graf Ch, reflecting the deep-rooted community life of the local townships.

The topography is anchored by the prominent Ephrata Mountain and the winding course of Cocalico Creek. Smaller settlements like Durlach, Akron, and Rothsville are meticulously documented, providing a detailed look at the residential patterns before significant suburban expansion. The inclusion of family-named landmarks like Mellingers Cem and Shirks Ch makes this an essential resource for genealogists tracing ancestral ties to the Cocalico valley.