1956 Map of Phelps

About this map

Lac Vieux Desert straddles the border between Wisconsin and Michigan, anchoring a landscape of glacial lakes and dense timberlands during the mid-1950s. The region is defined by the intersection of the Ottawa National Forest and Nicolet National Forest, where conservation and industry met along the tracks of the Chicago and North Western railroad. The map highlights the cultural heritage of the area, specifically identifying the Kataktikon Indian Village on the northern shore of the lake. Settlements like Land O'Lakes and Phelps serve as gateways to the surrounding wilderness, which is dotted with isolated water bodies such as Beaver Station Lake and Chickadee Lake. Notable landmarks like the Lookout Tower near Military Hill reflect the era's focus on forest fire management across this interconnected aquatic network.