1898 Map of Parker

About this map

The East Fork Vermillion River and West Fork Vermillion River converge near the growing railroad junction of Parker, which serves as a central hub for the surrounding agricultural prairie. Surveyed in the late nineteenth century, this landscape is defined by a dense grid of early townships and the expansion of three major rail lines. The Chicago Milwaukee and St Paul railroad cuts diagonally across the northern townships, anchoring settlements like Marion and Freeman. To the south, the prominent elevation of Turkey Ridge divides the drainage of Turkey Ridge Creek from the James River valley in the southwest corner. Local history is preserved in the placement of small rural communities such as Center Point, Idylwilde, and Ourtown, many of which were vital local centers before the consolidation of the region's transport networks.