1976 Map of Millstone Lake

About this map

Millstone Lake sits at the heart of this orthophotomap, which offers a clear visual record of the land use patterns in Richmond County during the mid-1970s. Unlike a traditional line-drawn topographic map, this photographic survey reveals the precise texture of the forest cover and the intricate geometry of agricultural clearings. The winding course of Beaver Creek carves through the dense woodlands, highlighting the natural drainage systems that dictated the placement of local roads and farmsteads. By examining the varied density of the timber and the sharp boundaries of the fields, researchers can interpret the mid-century timbering practices and rural development of this North Carolina landscape.