1953 Map of Knife River

About this map

Lake Superior dominates the eastern half of this survey, defining a coastline shaped by the industrial and transport needs of the mid-20th century. The settlement of Knife River serves as a focal point where the Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railroad and the Duluth and North Shore Railroad converge near the shore. This rail infrastructure, alongside North Shore Drive, underscores the area's importance as a corridor for moving northern Minnesota's resources. Inland, the terrain is cut by several watercourses including the Sucker River and Little Knife River, while local community life is anchored by landmarks such as Community Ch, the Town Hall, and Lake View Cem. Distinctive coastal features like Granite Point, Stony Point, and Knife Island provide recognizable reference points for the maritime activity that defined this stretch of the lake.