2022 Map of Melrose

About this map

The settlement of Melrose serves as the focal point of this rural southern Iowa landscape, situated near the northern edge of the massive Rathbun Lake impoundment. The terrain is defined by the winding course of the Chariton River and its numerous tributaries, including Cedar Cr and Contrary Cr, which carve through the undulating topography. This area is remarkably dense with historical burial sites, preserving the names of early communities and families through locations such as Hardy Cem, Mount Calvary Cem, and Greenville Cem. The presence of Morman Trails Trace Rd running through the central portion of the map indicates the lasting imprint of pioneer migration routes on the modern road network. The map further highlights the convergence of four counties—Monroe, Lucas, Wayne, and Appanoose—marking it as a significant jurisdictional crossroads in the region.