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1916 Map of Three Rivers

Name: 1916 Topographic Map of Three Rivers
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1916
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1916

About this map

The St. Joseph River and its major tributaries, including the Portage River, Rocky River, and Prairie River, converge at the industrial and rail hub of Three Rivers. This period of the early twentieth century shows a landscape defined by water power and transit, with the Sturgis Power Dam harnessing the river and the New York Central and Michigan Central railroads crisscrossing the county. Further south, the Chicago Road passes through White Pigeon, a critical artery for early regional travel.

Local education and community life are densely documented through numerous rural schools such as the Johnnycake School, Quail Trap School, and Peck Academy. Recreational geography is emerging around the area's many glacial lakes, most notably at Klinger Lake, which features named landings like Breezy Beach, Bluff Beach, and Sandy Beach. These details, alongside the Brick Chapel and scattered cemeteries, offer a clear view of St. Joseph County's social and industrial layout prior to the modernization of the highway system.