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1962 Map of Le Mars

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Le Mars
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

Le Mars serves as the regional hub in this early 1960s survey, showing a concentrated urban center defined by institutional landmarks like Westmar College, the Courthouse, and the local Armory. The landscape is dominated by the winding path of the Floyd River, which dictates the placement of the Chicago And North Western and Illinois Central railroads. These rail lines connect smaller agrarian settlements such as Alton, Maurice, and Seney, each serving as local collection points for the surrounding townships.

Genealogists will find significant detail in the distribution of rural cemeteries and parish churches, including St Marys Church and St Joseph Church. The map also captures the early aviation footprint of the region with the Airport and the Floyd Valley Landing Strip. This era shows a transition from traditional rail-based commerce to a more modernized infrastructure, evidenced by the presence of Radio Tower (KLEM) and several scattered Gravel Pits and Sandpits that supported local road construction.