1976 Map of Hart SE

About this map

Shelby, New Era, and Rothbury form a distinct north-south corridor of settlements within this mid-1970s orthophotoquad. The landscape is defined by an intricate patchwork of agricultural fields and woodlots, revealing the intensive land use and rural development patterns of Oceana County during this era. Unlike traditional topographic maps, this aerial perspective provides a literal view of the vegetation density and farmstead placements as they existed on May 8, 1976. The concentration of structures and cleared land around the three primary settlements illustrates the region’s reliance on the transportation lines connecting these communities. The contrast between the organized geometry of the orchards and fields and the scattered natural woodlots across the eastern half of the map highlights the area's agricultural character.