1971 Map of Reelsville

About this map

Big Walnut Creek carves a winding path through this portion of Putnam County, defining the landscape and providing the setting for a series of historic timber crossings. Local transportation history is anchored by the presence of several preserved spans, including the Houck Covered Bridge, Manhattan Covered Bridge, and Huffman Covered Bridge, which connect the rural road network across the deep creek valleys. The map illustrates the layering of eras, from the historic National Road and the early Old RR Grade to the active Conrail line passing through Reelsville. Rural community life is centered around institutions like the Reelsville Sch and several country houses of worship such as Antioch Ch and Big Walnut Ch. To the south, the terrain descends toward the northern reaches of Cagles Mill Lake and the Lieber State Rec Area, while extensive tracts of the State Prison Farm occupy the central and eastern uplands.