1958 Map of La Crosse

About this map

The Mississippi River and Wisconsin River dominate this mid-century landscape where Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa converge. Regional hubs like La Crosse and Prairie du Chien anchor a terrain defined by deep river valleys and the unglaciated topography of the Driftless Area. Extensive conservation and military footprints are evident, from the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge protecting the river's backwaters to the massive Fort Mc Coy Mil Res (Inactive) in the northeast. Transportation networks of the era are clearly delineated, including the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific and Chicago and North Western railroads which followed the natural contours of the valley floors. Cultural and historical landmarks are scattered throughout, including the Effigy Mounds National Monument along the bluffs and industrial remnants like Orange Mill near the Lemonweir River.