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1974 Map of Pilot Mound

Name: 1974 Topographic Map of Pilot Mound
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

The Root River meanders deeply through the limestone-rich landscape of southeastern Minnesota, carving a complex valley system where agriculture meets the wooded bluffs of the Minnesota Memorial Hardwood State Forest. This mid-1970s survey captures a rural landscape defined by historic township lines like Elmira and Saratoga, and the distinct small settlements of Troy and Bucksnort. Numerous gravel pits and a Quarry dot the riverside, reflecting the region's reliance on local geological resources for road building and industry.

Genealogists and local historians can locate several important community landmarks, including the Root Prairie Ch and the Pilot Mound Cem situated near the namesake Pilot Mound landform. The map provides a clear look at the hydraulic network that shaped local settlement, from the winding path of Trout Run and Money Creek to the secluded Wadden Valley. Small public spaces like the Roadside Park along the river illustrate the area's transition into a recreational landscape while maintaining its agricultural foundations.