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1901 Map of The Dells

Name: 1901 Topographic Map of The Dells
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1942
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1942

About this map

The Wisconsin River carves a dramatic path through this region at the turn of the century, defining the landscape of Kilbourn and the surrounding river bluffs. This 1899 survey captures the area before modern commercial expansion, highlighting the natural formations that would become legendary landmarks. Features like Witches Gulch, Coldwater Canyon, and Artists Glen line the river banks, while the Lower Dells stretch southward toward Mirror Lake.

Away from the water, the survey details a network of early railroads and isolated summits. The Chicago Milwaukee and St. Paul R. R. serves the settlement of Lyndon, while the Chicago and Northwestern R. R. cuts through the southwest corner near Reedsburg and the Baraboo River. Prominent elevations such as Rattlesnake Knob, The Haystacks, and Sheep Pasture Bluff rise from the prairie, providing a detailed record of the topography in Sauk, Juneau, and Adams counties.