2010 Map of Mount Zion

About this map

The Des Moines River winds through the southern half of this Van Buren County landscape, creating a distinct physical boundary for the rural settlements of Mount Zion and Kilbourn. This area is characterized by a high density of small family and community burial grounds, such as Parkerville Cemetery and Winchester Cemetery, which speak to the deep genealogical roots of the region. The map reveals the layout of Birmingham in the north and the small crossroads of Winchester, connected by a grid of county roads and historic routes like Co Hwy J16. Waterways like Lick Creek and Chequest Creek cut through the farmland, defining the drainage patterns that have influenced agriculture and settlement since the area was first developed. The presence of the County Farm Cemetery indicates the site of former social services and public institutions central to the county's history.