1915 Map of Vergas

About this map

Glacial topography defines the landscape around Vergas, where a complex network of kettle lakes and moraines shaped early settlement patterns. This 1912 survey illustrates a transition from timber and pioneer farming toward a seasonal recreation economy, marked by the presence of Pelican Inn and Websters Inn on the shores of Lake Melissa and Dead Lake. The industrial and transportation backbone of the region is anchored by the Northern Pacific railroad and its Winnipeg Line, which provided the necessary access for both commerce and the burgeoning tourism industry. Dozens of rural school districts, such as School No 167 and Jacobs School, are meticulously plotted, serving as vital landmarks for genealogists tracing family homesteads. Significant water bodies like Mc Donald Lake, the Silent Lakes, and Loon Lake dominate the terrain, reflecting the heavy influence of the Department of Drainage and Waters in mapping this water-rich environment.