1938 Map of Three Lakes

About this map

The town of Three Lakes and the adjacent village of Eagle River anchor this late-1930s depiction of the Northwoods at the junction of Vilas, Oneida, and Forest counties. The landscape is dominated by a dense network of glacial water bodies, from the vast Eagle Lake and Scattering Rice Lake to smaller reaches like Finger Lake and Spirit Lake. This era shows the region's transition into a recreational and conservation hub, with significant acreage designated as the Northern Highland State Forest. Local education and transport are well-defined, featuring rural landmarks like Mayo Sch 11, Sanborn Sch, and Evergreen Sch, all connected by the Chicago and Northwestern rail line and State Trunk Highway No 26. The map captures the intricate hydrology of the area, including the headwaters of Blackjack Creek and the meandering Little Deerskin River.