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1959 Map of Wayland

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Wayland
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

The Pennsylvania and New York Central rail lines anchor this mid-century survey of the West Michigan landscape, illustrating the transportation corridors that defined Wayland, Moline, and Bradley. The terrain is punctuated by significant water bodies, most notably the sprawling Gun Lake, which is surrounded by family-named landmarks and recreation sites like the Yankee Springs Recreation Area. This sheet reveals the rural social fabric of Allegan County through its numerous country schools, including St Stanislaus Sch and the Sproat Sch, along with community cemeteries like Maplewood Cem.

Industrial activity is evident in the cluster of Gravel Pits and Oil Wells scattered near Dorr and Hilliards, while the preservation of historic sites is noted at Bowens Mill. Genealogists may find value in the specific placement of rural churches such as Leighton Ch and the Sacred Heart Ch. The map also captures several vanished or repurposed infrastructure elements, such as the Old Railroad Grade near Hooper and the Wayland Landing Field.