2010 Map of Joy

About this map

The Mississippi River forms the western boundary of this Mercer County landscape, where the town of New Boston sits adjacent to the river’s backwaters and Ziegler Slough. The terrain is defined by the winding course of the Edwards River, which meanders across the center of the sheet towards its confluence near Corsepius Island. This 2010 survey illustrates a primarily agricultural region punctuated by small settlements like Joy, Mannon, and Arpee. Genealogists will find several burial sites preserved in the rural sections, including Shields Cemetery and Davis Cemetery. Unusual landmarks such as Lloyd Hall and the M and J Air Incorporated Airport appear alongside local water management features like Morrison Lake Dam. The map also captures the lower reaches of Pope Creek and Mad River, providing a detailed look at the drainage patterns and rural road networks that have supported this Illinois-Iowa borderland for generations.