1979 Map of Gifford

About this map

The Chariton River meanders through this portion of Northern Missouri, where the landscapes of Adair and Macon counties meet. By the late 1970s, the area's industrial history is etched into the terrain, particularly in the northern reaches where Strip Mines are located adjacent to Sugar Creek State Forest. The map documents a rural society built around water and transport, featuring an Old Railroad Grade that parallels the river valley. Key community hubs like Gifford (South Gifford) and Yarrow serve as the primary settlements, while several country churches and burial grounds, including Mt Carmel Ch and Indian Hill Cem, provide essential data points for local genealogy. The presence of Spring Lake and various named creeks, such as Walnut Creek and Sugar Creek, highlights the reliance on natural drainage for the surrounding agricultural and mining lands.