1939 Map of Smiths Creek

About this map

The Pere Marquette and Grand Trunk Western railroads cross the agricultural landscape of St. Clair County, converging near the settlement of Smiths Creek. This 1930s survey reveals a rural society structured around local crossroads and one-room schoolhouses like the Canada Settlement Sch, McCormick Sch, and Thornton Sch. The northern portion of the map is defined by the winding course of the Black River near Wadhams, while the burgeoning Port Huron Airport suggests the shift toward modern infrastructure. Genealogists will find significant value in the documentation of several family-named landmarks and rural burial grounds, including the Caswell Cem, Smith Cem, and St Marys Cem. The map illustrates the transition from a traditional rail-based economy toward a localized automotive network, evidenced by the named county roads connecting clusters like Sparlingville and Thornton.