1943 Map of Release

About this map

The Prairie River flows through this 1943 military survey of central Itasca County, reflecting a landscape defined by an intricate network of glacial lakes and wetlands. Originally compiled in 1919 and updated during the war, the map reveals a sparsely settled region where the Release School stands as a primary landmark for the local community. The terrain is dominated by significant water bodies such as Balsam Lake, Wasson Lake, and the uniquely named Brush Shanty Lake. A dense system of section lines and township boundaries, including T. 60 N. and R. 24 W., provides a rigid framework over the irregular natural features. While the northern reaches are heavily characterized by marshland and small ponds like Raddison Lake and Thoreau Lake, the southern portion is drained by Balsam Creek and Hurleys Creek, showing early roads that navigated between the larger lakes.