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1957 Map of Freesoil

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Freesoil
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

Udell Hills dominate the northern landscape of this survey, where the Udell Lookout Tower stands over a network of wetlands and small lakes within the Manistee National Forest. This mid-century view captures a transition in rural education, marking numerous defunct local institutions such as Howell Sch and Batcheller Sch while Tomaszewski Sch remains active. The Chesapeake and Ohio railroad corridor serves as the primary industrial spine, connecting the settlements of Freesoil and Fountain.

The southern half of the map is defined by the winding course of the Big Sable River and the Lincoln area, showcasing a landscape defined by water and early transportation. An Old Railroad Grade and several timber-era landmarks, including the Fish Hatchery near the Little Manistee River, reveal the region's historical reliance on natural resources. Smaller settlements like Star Corners and Millerton anchor the outlying rural townships.