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1960 Map of Madison

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Madison
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

The Wisconsin River carves through the heart of this landscape, anchoring the historic canal point at Portage. This mid-century survey illustrates the interconnected water systems of central and southern Wisconsin, where the Fox River and Rock River drainages meet. The state capital, Madison, is clearly defined by its position on the isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, surrounded by the emerging suburbs of Middleton, Shorewood Hills, and Monona.

Further east, the vast expanse of Lake Winnebago dominates the northern reaches, while the industrial outskirts of Milwaukee, including Wauwatosa and West Allis, are visible on the eastern edge. This era captures the region's diverse land use, from the protected wetlands of the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge to the geologic landmarks of Devils Lake State Park and the Kettle Moraine State Forest.