1903 Map of Sullivan

About this map

The Bourbeuse River and Meramec River carve deeply through the landscape of the Missouri Ozarks, their winding courses defining the geography of this region at the turn of the century. This survey, conducted in 1899, captures a network of small upland settlements and valley crossings established before the era of modern highways. The San Francisco and St Louis Railroad serves as the primary artery for trade and travel, connecting towns like Sullivan, Bourbon, and Leasburg. Away from the rail line, the map documents numerous river crossings such as Allen Ford and Boyd Ford, which were essential for local transit between rural communities like Japan, Elmont, and Spring Bluff. The rugged nature of the terrain is highlighted by distinctive natural features including Roaring Spr and Wildcat Spr, illustrating the karst topography that characterizes this part of Franklin and Crawford counties.