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1958 Map of Excelsior

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Excelsior
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

Lake Minnetonka dominates this landscape, its intricate shoreline defining the growth of lakeside communities like Wayzata, Deephaven, and Minnetonka Beach. By the late 1950s, the region was established as a premier recreational and residential destination, evidenced by the numerous country clubs such as Woodhill Country Club and Minnetonka Country Club. The geography is characterized by deep bays and prominent points, including Lafayette Bay, Crystal Bay, and Huntington Point, which shaped the early development of private estates and seasonal retreats.

Transportation networks are well-defined, with the Great Northern and Minneapolis and St Louis railroads facilitating movement across the northern and southern portions of the sheet. Local life is anchored by landmarks like Orono High Sch and Trinity Ch, while the transition toward mid-century suburban culture is visible in the presence of a Drive-in Theater in Minnetonka. Smaller water bodies like Christmas Lake and Lake Minnewashta surround the primary lake, reflecting the hydrologic density of Hennepin County.