1985 Map of Ferry

About this map

The settlement of Ferry and the nearby Footbridge community are centered in this mid-1980s landscape within the Manistee National Forest. The geography is defined by the White River and its major tributaries, including the North Branch White River, Osborn Creek, and Knutson Creek. A network of wetlands and small lakes like Knox Swamp, Lidkey Swamp, and Hightower Lake suggests a complex glacial terrain that historically influenced local movement and land use. Genealogists and historians can trace the paths of several watercourses and find remnants of former industrial activity such as the Old RR Grade and scattered Gravel Pits. The map also delineates the boundaries of Ferry, Otto, and Green townships, showing the rural development patterns of Oceana County during this era.