1968 Map of Smiths Creek

About this map

The Black River and Pine River carve through the glacial landscape of eastern Michigan, framing a region defined by its complex drainage network and mid-century transportation corridors. In this 1968 survey, the area around Smiths Creek and Kimball shows a transition from the wooded conservation of the Port Huron State Game Area in the north to the industrializing outskirts of Port Huron in the east. The landscape is crisscrossed by an extensive system of man-made waterways, including the Slaght Drain, Mallory Drain, and Lapeer Drain, which were essential for managing the low-lying terrain. The intersection of the Grand Trunk Western and the Chesapeake And Ohio railroads highlights the historical importance of rail transport to these small communities. Settlements like Sparlingville show emerging residential growth, supported by the Sparlingville Sch and several local churches such as the Bethlehem Saving Temple.