1952 Map of Silica

About this map

Silica and the industrial corridors of the Iron Range are documented in this early 1950s survey, illustrating a landscape shaped by mineral extraction and timber resources. The Duluth Missabe and Iron Range railroad and the Great Northern line cut through the terrain, connecting small settlements like Bengal and Noyes to larger economic centers. Heavy industrial footprints are visible through features like the Tailings Pond and Gravel Pits, while the natural topography is defined by prominent elevations such as Blueberry Hill and Bengal Hill. Local life is anchored by landmarks like St Theresa Ch, located just outside the eastern edge of the Floodwood Memorial Forest. A network of water bodies, including Sand Lake, Coons Lake, and Little Island Lake, provides a stark contrast to the nearby Old Railroad Grade and other infrastructure supporting the region's mid-century mining economy.