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1956 Map of Rays Crossing

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Rays Crossing
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1994
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1994

About this map

The Big Blue River and Little Blue River converge north of Shelbyville, shaping the agrarian landscape of central Indiana during the mid-20th century. This area, largely defined by the townships of Marion, Union, and Addison, is dotted with several small settlements such as Rays Crossing, Blue Ridge, and Meltzer. The map reveals a high concentration of community landmarks that served these rural populations, including the Little Blue River Ch, Zion Ch, and Mt Pisgah Ch.

Evidence of historical land use and early infrastructure is scattered throughout, notably an Old RR Grade cutting through the countryside. Local history and genealogy are well-represented by family and community landmarks like the Bennett Cem, Dewitt Cem, and the Township Sch. To the southwest, the outskirts of Shelbyville show modern mid-century additions like a Drive-in Theater and a Substation, marking the edge of urban expansion into the surrounding farmland.