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1957 Map of Evansville

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Evansville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

The Ohio River carves a winding path across this mid-century landscape, serving as the primary geographic artery for river towns like Evansville, Owensboro, and Henderson. This 1957 compilation, revised in the 1970s, illustrates the complex intersection of industry and nature in the Illinois Basin. Expansive Strip Mines are concentrated around Central City and Madisonville, while the eastern reaches are defined by the unique karst topography of Mammoth Cave National Park and the rugged terrain known as The Knobs.

Rail transport remains a critical force for the region's economy, with the L & N RR and Ic RR connecting coal-producing counties to Ohio River ports. Cultural and military footprints are prominent, ranging from the prehistoric Angel Mounds State Memorial near the riverbanks to the expansive Fort Knox Military Reservation in the northeast. This era shows the developed network of US Highways, including Us 41 and Us 231, bridging the diverse landscapes of southern Indiana and western Kentucky.