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1958 Map of Grand Rapids

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Grand Rapids
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

Grand Rapids and the state capital of Lansing anchor this mid-century survey of the Southern Michigan landscape. The map illustrates a period of significant regional connectivity as the interstate system, including I-96 and I-94, began to define travel between major industrial hubs like Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and Jackson. This industrial backbone is complemented by a dense network of older rail lines such as the C&O RR, GTW RR, and Conrail, which trace the path of earlier 19th-century growth.

Rural character remains prominent through preserved natural spaces and water bodies. Extensive recreational lands like the Yankee Springs State Rec Area and Waterloo State Rec Area stand out alongside the Fort Custer Military Reservation. The hydrography of the region is well-defined, featuring the winding Grand River and numerous glacial lakes, including Gull Lake and Gun Lake, which served as vital local landmarks for generations of residents and travelers alike.