1965 Map of Otley

About this map

The Red Rock Lake reservoir dominates this mid-1960s landscape, having fundamentally altered the course of the Des Moines River through central Marion County. This era of transition is clearly visible, with areas marked for controlled inundation surrounding prominent terrain features like Elk Rock. To the north, the settlement of Otley remains a focal point of commerce and community, served by the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroad and the Pella Community Sch. Local industrial history is preserved through the marking of a Strip Mine and an Old Railroad Grade that winds through the hills. Genealogists will find a wealth of family and community history in the numerous burial grounds scattered across the townships, including Price Cem, Karr Cem, and the Coal Ridge Cem near the Coal Ridge Ch.