1980 Map of Leighton

About this map

The Des Moines River winds across the southern reaches of this landscape, flanked by the township boundaries of Scott and Jefferson. This 1980 survey reveals a countryside shaped by both agriculture and industry, where extensive Strip Mined Areas and Sandpits mark the terrain near the river's edge. The small settlements of Leighton, Olivet, and Tracy serve as focal points for the surrounding rural community, connected by the tracks of the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroad which cuts diagonally through the northern townships. Genealogy researchers will find several local burial grounds, including Evergreen Cem and Bellefontaine Cem, while conservation is represented by the Hull State Game Management Area. The presence of a Gaging Station and Landing Strip highlights the functional infrastructure of the Mahaska County region during this era.