1930 Map of Shepherd

About this map

Shepherd and the surrounding townships of Coe and Chippewa are captured here during a period of intensive subterranean development, as evidenced by the dense cluster of oil wells and tanks surrounding Oil City. The map documents a landscape defined by small rural school districts and family-named landmarks, reflecting the agricultural and early industrial fabric of central Michigan. To the north and west, the Pere Marquette RR and the Ann Arbor RR provide the primary transit corridors, carving through the drainages of the Chippewa River and the Little Salt River. Local social life is anchored by numerous country schools like McNelly Sch and Alembic Sch, alongside small congregations at Bethel Ch and Geneva-Hope Ch. The detailed survey of salt wells and pipe lines indicates the significant role of the mineral and energy sectors in the local economy of Isabella and Midland counties.