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1956 Map of Rays Crossing

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Rays Crossing
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

Rays Crossing serves as a focal point for this agrarian landscape in central Shelby County, where the Pennsylvania railroad cuts a diagonal line across the section grid. This 1950s survey documents a well-distributed network of community centers, including Township Sch and several country churches like Mt Pisgah Ch and Zion Ch. The rural economy of the era is evident in the Grain Storage Bins situated near the tracks and various Gas Wells scattered throughout the townships of Addison, Liberty, and Union.

Waterways like the Blue River and its tributary, the Little Blue River, define the local drainage, alongside named creeks such as Lewis Creek and Conns Creek. The map provides a detailed view of family-named landmarks and cemeteries like Bennett Cem and Dewitt Cem, which offer significant value for genealogical research. Settlement patterns are further marked by Knighthood Village and the small station at Lewis along the southern rail line.