1947 Map of Sullivan

About this map

The Meramec River carves a deep, winding path through this portion of Missouri, where the river economy and the subterranean landscape of Meramec State Park define the local character. In the mid-20th century, the St Louis - San Francisco railroad and U S 66 anchor the northern settlements of Sullivan and Bourbon, while the southern reaches remain a dense network of creek valleys and family-named landmarks. The map reveals a high density of rural schoolhouses and community hubs, such as Pea Ridge Sch and Pleasant Hill Sch, alongside evidence of historical industry at Anthonies Mill and the Old Christy Mine. This era captures the landscape before modern development, preserving the locations of numerous caverns including Meramec Caverns, Onondaga Cave, and Fisher Cave, which have long been integral to the region's identity as a destination for exploration and early tourism.