1961 Map of Nottawa

About this map

Wasepi and Nottawa anchor this rural landscape in St. Joseph County, where the transportation networks of the early 1960s are clearly defined. The area is characterized by a significant water system, featuring a chain of lakes including Sand Lake, Sylvan Lake, Evans Lake, and Sauger Lake, all interconnected by the Prairie River. The map reveals a transition in rail dominance, showing the Pennsylvania railroad and the New York Central lines crossing near the heart of the township, supporting local gravel and sand extraction industries. Numerous family and community landmarks are preserved here, from the Laird Cem and Pioneer Cem to the Locust Grove Ch, providing a detailed look at the social fabric of the Michigan countryside before modern development altered the density of these small settlements.