1981 Map of Highland

About this map

The Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railroad defines the industrial and transit corridor of this Lake County landscape during the early 1980s. Small settlements like Wales, Highland, and Alger are situated along this critical rail line, which served the region's iron ore economy. The map reveals a transition between active industrial infrastructure and the natural watershed of the North Shore, evidenced by the Old Railroad Grade and numerous water bodies such as Thomas Lake and Highland Lake. Natural drainage is prominent, with the Gooseberry River, Silver Creek, and Stewart River carving paths toward Lake Superior. Local landmarks including the Flying Sportsman Airport and Radio Towers near Highland highlight the area's mid-century development. This survey serves as a record of the region before significant changes in timber management and recreational land use further altered the character of these small rail-stop communities.