Loading map...

1959 Map of Independence

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Independence
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1979
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1979

About this map

Independence serves as a major hub for the region at the close of the 1950s, defined by its grid of schools like Lincoln Sch and Washington Sch and its dual rail access via the Missouri Pacific and Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe lines. The urban landscape transitions northward into the recreational grounds of Riverside Park and several prominent burial sites, including Mount Hope Cem and Calvary Cem. To the south, the settlement of Fruitland sits near the Independence Community College campus, illustrating the mid-century expansion of local institutions.

The winding Verdigris River dominates the eastern and southern terrain, joined by tributaries such as Drum Creek and Coal Creek. The river valley is marked by industrial activity, including a large Quarry and various Oil Wells, while the creation of Montgomery County State Park provides a large protected area for the county. This survey preserves the placement of localized landmarks like McTaggart Bridge and St Andrews Sch before later decades of development altered the rural-urban interface.