1954 Map of Fairmont

About this map

Coteau des Prairies and Buffalo Ridge define the upland character of this prairie landscape, where the headwaters of several major river systems diverge. The survey illustrates a mid-century agricultural corridor increasingly defined by its water resources and transportation links. In the Iowa portion, the popular Iowa Great Lakes region is shown in detail, including the lakefront communities of Arnolds Park, Okoboji, and West Okoboji. To the east, the Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge marks a significant protected wetland area. The network of the Chicago and North Western and Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific railroads connects established county seats like Fairmont and Blue Earth with smaller regional hubs such as Sherburn and Lakefield. Rural life is centered around local institutions, visible in landmarks like St Kilian Ch and numerous unnamed schools and cemeteries.