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2018 Map of Modena

Name: 2018 Topographic Map of Modena
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2018
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2018

About this map

The Buffalo River carves a significant winding path through this corner of Buffalo County, defining a landscape of prominent bluffs and deep valleys. The small settlement of Modena sits at a junction near the Modena Cem, where Tamarack Cr joins the river system. This area is characterized by a series of named valleys that indicate early settlement patterns and geographic orientation, including Lee Valley, Kissel Valley, and French Valley. These drainages served as natural corridors for the rural road network, linking isolated homesteads to larger hubs like Tell in the southwest and Praag in the southeast.

Notable topographic landmarks such as Erickson Bluff and Pine Creek Bluff overlook the river flats, providing distinct vertical relief. The map reveals how local infrastructure follows the terrain, with routes like Cesler Valley Rd and German Valley Rd tracing the low ground between the ridges. This detailed 2018 survey captures the enduring rural character of the region, where family names are often preserved in the landscape features and road designations.