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1906 Map of Potosi

Name: 1906 Topographic Map of Potosi
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1939
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1939

About this map

Potosi anchors the northeast corner of this early 20th-century survey, serving as the primary hub for the ST. L. I. M. and S. R. R. line as it cuts through the hilly interior of Washington County. The landscape is defined by a dense network of drainage systems, including the Big River, Fourche, and Renault creeks, which carve out distinct hollows such as Dry Hollow. These watercourses historically dictated the placement of small communities and industry, such as Hunters Mill located along the river.

Smaller settlements like Belgrade, Caledonia, and Sunlight are scattered throughout the southern half of the map, connected by a winding network of primitive roads. To the northwest, the prominent Little Pilot Knob provides a distinct navigational landmark amidst the complex topography. The map illustrates a rural Missouri economy in transition, where isolated hamlets like Larty and Palmer remained largely dependent on local topography and river access before the widespread expansion of modern highways.