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1997 Map of Van Buren

Name: 1997 Topographic Map of Van Buren
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1999
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1999

About this map

Van Buren sits at a strategic bend in the Arkansas River, serving as a focal point for Crawford County transportation and industry in the late 1990s. The map illustrates a landscape transitioning from the dense urban grid of the riverfront, featuring landmarks like the Courthouse and Armory, to the residential developments of Rena and Hillcrest. The influence of the river is prominent, with the Fort Smith city limits appearing on the southern bank near T.G. Smith Park.

Beyond the city core, rural character is preserved in established settlements like Shibley and Concord. Significant local history is found in numerous family and community burial grounds, such as Antioch Cem and Byers Cem. The presence of Twin City Airport and multiple Gas Wells throughout the eastern half of the map indicates a diversified economy based on both regional transit and natural resource extraction during this era.