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1953 Map of Grand Rapids

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Grand Rapids
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

Grand Rapids serves as the focal point of this mid-century survey, where the Mississippi River and the Burlington Northern railroad intersect to drive the local economy. The industrial character of the town is evident in the presence of the Paper Mill Reservoir and Sylvan Lake, supporting the timber and pulp operations typical of the Iron Range region. The map captures the community's civic infrastructure, including the Courthouse, Hospital, and several local schools such as Memorial Sch and Riverview Sch.

Beyond the city limits, the landscape is defined by the expansive waters of Pokegama Lake, with its distinctive reaches like Wendigo Arm and Sherry Arm. These waterways, along with numerous islands such as Wilder Island and Drumbeater Island, illustrate a transition from urban development to a recreation-rich wilderness. Notable landmarks for local historians include the Calvary Cem and the Grand Rapids Municipal Airport as they appeared prior to later twentieth-century expansions.