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1955 Map of Winchester

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Winchester
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1959
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1959

About this map

Northern Highland State Forest dominates this mid-century landscape in Vilas County, where the dense concentration of glacial lakes supported a growing seasonal economy of camps and resorts. The map captures the small community of Winchester and the nearby Powell, along with specialized landmarks like the Hiawatha Camp and the Manitowish Waters Landing Field. Extensive Cranberry Bogs and several Pumphouses indicate the specific agricultural land use of the region's wetlands.

Local infrastructure for the mid-1950s is well-documented, from the Chicago and North Western rail line to several rural schools, including the Presque Isle Sch and Birch Lake Sch. The southern portion of the sheet highlights the northern boundary of the Lac Du Flambeau Indian Reservation, providing a detailed look at the interface between state forest lands, private holdings, and tribal territory. Water dominates the view, with major bodies like Presque Isle Lake, Spider Lake, and the winding Manitowish River defining the area's geography.