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1911 Map of Franklin

Name: 1911 Topographic Map of Franklin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1944
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1944

About this map

The confluence of French Creek and the Allegheny River anchors this 1909 survey, depicting Franklin as a significant regional hub for transportation and industry. The landscape is deeply carved by watercourses, with the Erie R.R. and the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern R.R. following the winding river valleys. Notable landmarks include the sprawling State Institute for Feeble Minded near Polk, and several small rural centers like Utica, Raymilton, and Kennerdell.

Industry and local community life are evident through features such as Mays Mills and numerous country churches including Bethesda Church and Graham Church. The road network, including the Susquehanna and Waterford Turnpike, reflects early twentieth-century travel patterns before modern highways. This survey captures a moment when rail travel was at its peak, connecting remote settlements like Coal City and Brandon to the larger industrial markets of Venango County.