Next-Level Time Travel with New Maps on KeTT’s Explorer App

Author: Daniel J. Lizzadro-McPherson, Geospatial Research Scientist

You have asked for it and we have delivered! The Keweenaw Time Traveler Team is proud to announce the arrival of new maps on the latest version of the Explore App.  Take an even deeper dive into Copper Country history with over a dozen new maps digitized from a variety of archived sources!  Check out these new map sets that will be made available during and soon after the launch of our new Explore App:

• Calumet & Hecla Property Map (1915)
• Geologic Bedrock Quadrangle Maps (USGS: 1953-1956)
• Geologic Map of the Keweenaw Peninsula and Western UP (USGS: 1995, 2001)
• Keweenaw Point (1865)
• Keweenaw Waterway Nautical Charts (USACE: 1865 - 1964)
• Keweenaw County Map (early 1900s)
• Keweenaw County Road Map (1950)
• Topographic Map of Houghton-Hancock (1915)
• Topographic Maps of Northern Houghton and Keweenaw County (1940s, 1975)
• Town of Eagle River (1917)
• Quincy Mine Location (1898)

While all of the new maps enhance the Explore App in unique ways, I am particularly excited about the addition of the 1975 USGS Topographic Maps. These maps closely resemble their predecessors (the 1940 topo series), but highlight the structures, roads, and various other features that were developed or constructed after the 1950s. The new features on these maps are indicated by pink-purple symbols.

Hancock - 1940s USGS Topographic Map Series

Hancock – 1975 USGS Topographic Map Series

​​For me it was really impressive to see how my West Hancock neighborhood changed so dramatically between these two time slices. New roads, houses, schools, and hospitals seem to pop-up everywhere – even our tiny airport!

1940 topographic map of the Houghton County Memorial Airport area

1975 topographic map of the Houghton County Memorial Airport area

Another interesting feature on these maps is the sediment transport of stamp sands in Torch Lake. Take a look and see how the lobes of stamp sand migrate between these two time slices.

1940 topographic map of the stamp sands in Torch Lake

1975 topographic map of the stamp sands in Torch Lake

​​These are just a few examples of the hidden treasures scattered throughout the new maps on the Explore App and more maps are in development. We invite you to discover them for yourself. Happy time traveling!