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2017 Map of Rochester

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Rochester
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Rochester and the surrounding prairies of Thurston County are defined by a distinct geological and riverine landscape. The Chehalis River flows through the center of the sheet, joined by tributaries including Scatter Cr and Black River. The area is characterized by several broad, flat openings such as Mima Prairie, Baker Prairie, and Grand Mound Prairie, which historically facilitated agriculture and settlement. These open spaces are punctuated by significant topographical rises like Michigan Hill and the namesake Grand Mound.

Transportation and infrastructure connect the established communities of Grand Mound, Mima, and Helsing Junction. The map documents local aviation at the R & K Skyranch- Airport and institutional history at the Maple Lane School. For genealogists, the Grand Mound Cem provides a specific point of reference near the southern edge of the prairie. The survey also captures the boundary where the terrain transitions into the Lincoln Creek Valley as it crosses the line between Thurston Co and Lewis Co.