1971 Map of Marblehead

About this map

The eastern banks of the Mississippi River dominate this landscape, characterized by a complex network of wetlands and islands like Whitney Island and Mc Donald Island. The engineering of the riverbank is evident through the massive levee system and water management features such as the Austin Creek Settling Basin and the Fall Creek Settling Basin. Settlement patterns follow the higher ground above the floodplains, with small communities like Marblehead and Payson connected by the Burlington Northern railroad corridor. Genealogical interest is particularly high here, as the map records several family or local burial grounds including Craigtown Cem, Fall Creek Cem, and Thompson Cem. Near the southern edge, the Old Sny Public Use Area indicates the transition of the riparian environment into recreational space, while the presence of an Indian Mound and its namesake Indian Mound Cem points to the ancient human history of this river valley.