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1959 Map of Kurtz

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Kurtz
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific rail lines cut through the heart of the Hoosier National Forest, connecting rural outposts like Kurtz and Freetown to the larger rail network. This mid-century survey reveals a landscape where steep ridges and deep hollows, such as Blind Horse Hollow and Hound Hollow, dictate the placement of local roads and farmsteads. The settlement of Clear Spring sits at a crossroads, surrounded by family-named landmarks and cemeteries like Smallwood Cem and Bagwell Cem.

Water management is evident at the Gaging Sta along the South Fork Salt Creek, which drains much of the northern terrain. Spiritual and community life is anchored by small country churches including Gorbetts Ch, Mountain View Ch, and Mt Zion Ch. The map provides a detailed view of Jackson County's rural structure before modern development, marking township boundaries for Pershing, Salt Creek, and Owen.