1960 Map of Shieldsville

About this map

The glacial lakes of northern Rice County define this landscape, with the settlement of Shieldsville acting as a central hub between Shields Lake and Mazaska Lake. This 1960 field-checked survey reveals a rural landscape deeply committed to local education, evidenced by the high density of district schoolhouses such as North Cedar Lake Sch, Trebon Sch, and Kennyville Sch. The terrain is dominated by a complex network of water bodies, including the large basins of French Lake and Cedar Lake, which are connected by marshlands and smaller tributaries like Devil Creek. In the southern portion of the quadrangle, the transition toward the Cannon River valley is marked by industrial activity at several Gravel Pits and the outskirts of Warsaw, providing a clear look at the mid-century intersection of agriculture, industry, and the natural lacustrine environment of southern Minnesota.