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2017 Map of Spruce

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Spruce
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Spruce and Ballard serve as the primary hubs in this section of Bates County, where the agricultural landscape is deeply etched by a network of small waterways. The terrain is defined by the drainage of Elk Fork, Fishing Br, and Soap Cr, which create a series of subtle ridges and valleys across the countryside. These natural features dictated the early settlement patterns, with homesteads and roads following the higher ground between the creek beds.

Genealogists and local historians will find significant value in the numerous burial sites preserved here, including Walnut Grove Cem, White Cem, and Radford Cem. The placement of Elizabeth Chapel Cem and Antioch Cem near their respective namesake creeks, Antioch Cr and S Deepwater Cr, illustrates the long-standing connection between community life and the local geography. The map also detail the rural road network, from State Hwy BB to the local tracks like Old Rock Quarry, which hint at the area's practical land-use history.