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2023 Map of Rathbone

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Rathbone
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

The Bad River and its many tributaries, including Shad Creek and Huckleberry Drain, define the drainage patterns of this central Michigan landscape. Agricultural grid lines dominate the geography, with small crossroads settlements like Edgewood and Sickles marking the intersections of local life. These communities, along with the smaller hamlets of Rathbone and Langport, represent the enduring rural character of Gratiot County, where the economy remains tied to the land and its watercourses.

Local history is anchored by the Hamilton Cem and Lafayette Cem, which serve as significant markers for genealogists tracing family roots in this township. The intricate network of drains and creeks, such as Beaver Creek and Potato Creek, illustrates the complex water management required for productive farming in this region. This modern survey provides a clear look at how the section-line road system continues to organize the distribution of farmsteads and small residential clusters.