1969 Map of Island

About this map

The vast wetland of Island Swamp dominates this late-1960s landscape along the border of Aitkin and St. Louis counties. This region, characterized by extensive marshes and thick vegetation, is structured by a network of drainage infrastructure like East Judicial Ditch and the Savanna Ditch No 3. These water management features illustrate the historical efforts to modify the Minnesota wilderness for varied land use. To the north, the Burlington Northern railroad cuts across the terrain, serving small points of activity at Island and Hartley Spur. Much of the southern portion is preserved within Savanna State Forest and Savanna Portage State Park, protecting the historical portage route and the natural flow of the Savanna River. Evidence of timber and resource extraction persists through various routes such as Logging Traie and the Headboom Trail.