1954 Map of Waynesville

About this map

The Gasconade River winds through the heart of the Missouri Ozarks in this mid-century survey, creating dramatic loops such as the one near Portuguese Point. The landscape is defined by the massive footprint of the Fort Leonard Wood Military Reservation to the south, while the northern section is dominated by the town of Dixon and the St Louis-San Francisco railroad line. Local history is deeply etched into the hills through numerous small community centers like Gospel Ridge and Clementine. Genealogists will find a wealth of family landmarks, including the Wickersham Cemetery, Haller Cemetery, and several rural schools such as Highpoint School and Needmore School. The map captures the region before extensive modern development, showing the original river crossings at Riddle Bridge and the industrial presence of Wheeler Mill near the Big Piney River.