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1957 Map of Madison

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Madison
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

The Wisconsin River and Rock River systems anchor this mid-century landscape, a region transitioning from its agricultural foundations toward post-war industrial expansion. The map captures the complex water networks of south-central Wisconsin, including the expansive Lake Winnebago and the cluster of lakes surrounding Madison, such as Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. A major landmark of the era is the Badger Ordnance Works, a massive wartime industrial facility located between Baraboo and the river.

Transportation corridors are deeply etched into the terrain, featuring the extensive rail lines of the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific and the Chicago and North Western. These routes connect historic manufacturing centers like Fond du Lac and Oshkosh to the emerging suburban sprawl of Wauwatosa and West Allis on the eastern edge. Natural preservation efforts are evident in the sprawling Horicon National Wildlife Refuge and the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which provide a stark contrast to the growing urban centers.