1965 Map of Granger

About this map

The Des Moines River valley underwent significant transformation as this mid-century landscape was adapted for water management, featuring the expansive Saylorville Lake and Big Creek Lake. The map reveals a dense network of local history, from the coal-mining legacy seen in various Mine Dumps to the established agricultural communities at Madrid and Granger. Unique settlement patterns are evident at Granger Homesteads and the small siding of Zook Spur, while the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroad traverses the terrain. This period documents the valley just as large-scale reservoir projects were reshaping the topography, yet it still preserves the locations of older landmarks like Hopkins Grove Ch and the Chestnut Ford Bridge. The inclusion of smaller locales such as Gibbsville, Royer, and High Bridge provides a detailed look at the rural intersections of Boone, Dallas, and Polk Counties.