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1969 Map of Meramec State Park

Name: 1969 Topographic Map of Meramec State Park
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

Meramec State Park and the surrounding river landscape in the late 1960s reveal a mix of natural wonders and industrial heritage. The Meramec River winds through the topography, flanked by numerous subterranean features such as Meramec Caverns, Fisher Cave, and Hamilton Cave. North of the settlement of Pea Ridge, the massive industrial footprint of the Pea Ridge Mine dominates the southeastern quadrant, complete with its own Landing Strip, Substation, and Tailings Pond.

Tracing the rural road network northward toward Caseyville uncovers local landmarks of genealogic interest, including the Pea Ridge School and Pentecostal Church. Along the river bottomlands at Cane Bottom and Fife Bottom, the map records the older industrial history of the region at the Old Hamilton Iron Works. This survey documents a transition period where mid-century recreation at New Beach and Camper Spring existed alongside active heavy mining operations.