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1953 Map of Port Byron

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Port Byron
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1971
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1971

About this map

The Mississippi River and Rock River dominate this landscape, defining the borders between Illinois and Iowa as well as Rock Island and Henry Counties. The river-driven economy of the mid-20th century is evident through the placement of a gaging station and a substation near Rapids City. This survey reflects a well-established rural social structure, with a high density of country schools including Sycamore School, Leafy Bower School, and Zuma School scattered across the uplands of Coe and Zuma townships.

Transportation networks are heavily represented by the Burlington Northern railroad, which tracks the riverbanks and connects the settlements of Barstow, Cleveland, and Port Byron. Extensive recreational and conservation areas are visible along the northern river reaches, including the Upper Mississippi River Wild Life and Fish Refuge and the YWCA Girls Camp, illustrating the dual identity of the river as both a commercial artery and a site for public preservation.