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1955 Map of Kirkwood

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Kirkwood
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

Octoraro Creek defines the geography of this rural landscape, winding through the borderlands of Lancaster and Chester counties. At its heart lies the reservoir of Lake Octoraro, created by a dam near Pine Grove where a Filtration Plant and Substation stand today. The map documents a deeply rooted agricultural community characterized by numerous small hamlets such as Andrews Bridge, Little Britain, and Kirks Mills.

Social and civic life is anchored by family-named landmarks and local institutions, including the Hope Sch and Salem Sch, along with several rural houses of worship like Wesley Ch and Colerain Ch. The presence of State Game Lands No 136 and Camp Tweedale indicates the preservation of wooded tracts amidst the rolling fields. This survey captures the region as it transitioned in the mid-20th century, retaining its colonial-era settlement patterns while adapting to modern infrastructure needs.