{"product_id":"old-map-of-manitowish-waters-wisconsin-by-usgs-1946-little-star-lake-dead-pike-lake","title":"Old Map of Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin by USGS, 1946 – Little Star Lake \u0026 Dead Pike Lake","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished in 1946 by the United States Geological Survey, “Winchester” captures a lake-studded corner of northern Wisconsin at a revealing mid-century moment. Drawn at 1:48,000 scale, the map centers on the Manitowish Waters area, a landscape already prized for its clear lakes, wooded shorelines, and quiet routes into the Northwoods. Its advance planimetric character gives particular emphasis to the arrangement of roads, trails, waterways, township lines, and settlements, presenting the region as both a navigable recreational district and a carefully ordered survey landscape. The result is a map of practical clarity and understated elegance, where the geometry of public-land divisions meets the organic complexity of lakes, streams, marshy margins, and forested terrain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe USGS had, by 1946, become the nation’s authoritative cartographic institution, producing maps that served science, government, industry, conservation, and ordinary travelers alike. Founded in the late nineteenth century, the agency brought systematic standards to the mapping of America’s varied terrain, and its work became indispensable for land management, engineering, resource study, and outdoor navigation. In “Winchester,” that institutional precision is evident in the disciplined grid of townships and sections, the legible road network, and the careful rendering of hydrology. This was cartography designed to be read in the field, yet it also possesses a quiet beauty: a measured, confident visual language born from the USGS commitment to accuracy, consistency, and public utility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManitowish Waters is the emotional and geographical heart of the sheet, surrounded by the intricate chain of lakes that helped define its identity as one of Wisconsin’s classic recreation landscapes. Little Star Lake, Dead Pike Lake, Little Trout Lake, Wild Rice Lake, and numerous smaller unnamed ponds appear as bright, irregular forms embedded in a matrix of forest and low northern terrain. The map’s treatment of shorelines gives these waters a vivid presence, tracing bays, narrows, islands, and inlets with a precision that evokes both natural abundance and human approachability. Roads and trails thread between lakes and woods, hinting at cabins, fishing camps, portages, and the gradual expansion of tourism in the Northwoods after World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTopographically, the map portrays a region of subtle relief rather than dramatic elevation, where low hills, glacially shaped basins, wetlands, and forested uplands create a varied but intimate landscape. Contour information and tonal distinctions help clarify changes in elevation, while the blue water features stand apart from the surrounding land, making the dense lake country immediately comprehensible. The northern Wisconsin terrain shown here is the legacy of ice: scattered basins filled with water, irregular drainage patterns, and sandy or wooded expanses that shaped settlement and recreation alike. Streams and smaller waterways link portions of this watery environment, suggesting the ecological continuity behind what might otherwise appear as separate lakes and ponds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, “Winchester” records Manitowish Waters before the full intensity of late twentieth-century recreational and residential development transformed many Northwoods shorelines. In 1946, the area stood at a threshold: accessible enough to be mapped with modern roads and township organization, yet still defined by forest cover, open water, and dispersed habitation. Conservation, tourism, logging legacies, and private development would all play roles in reshaping the region in the decades that followed. Viewed today, the map is both a technical document and an atmospheric portrait of place—a snapshot of Wisconsin’s lake country when outdoor leisure, natural resource management, and postwar mobility were beginning to converge around one of the state’s most beloved northern landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManitowish Waters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLittle Star Lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDead Pike Lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLittle Trout Lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWild Rice Lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious unnamed lakes and ponds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumerous roads and trails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTownships and sections marked by grid lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForested areas identified by hachuring patterns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNearby rivers and streams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:48,000 topographical map of Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin and the surrounding area\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreated in 1946\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey (USGS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures advanced planimetric characteristics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses color to distinguish bodies of water from land areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmploys contour lines to indicate elevation changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShows a mix of flat and hilly Wisconsin terrain, with numerous lakes and forests\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReflects mid-20th-century cartographic priorities of clarity and usability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocuments the area before later changes in land use, conservation, recreational development, and residential growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128600260999,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128600293767,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128600326535,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128600359303,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128600392071,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128600424839,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128600457607,"sku":null,"price":63.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128600490375,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128600523143,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128600555911,"sku":null,"price":73.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128600588679,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128600621447,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128600654215,"sku":null,"price":73.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128600686983,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128600719751,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128600752519,"sku":null,"price":83.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128600785287,"sku":null,"price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128600818055,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128600850823,"sku":null,"price":83.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128600883591,"sku":null,"price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128600916359,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128600949127,"sku":null,"price":83.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128600981895,"sku":null,"price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128601014663,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128601047431,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128601080199,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128601112967,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128601145735,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128601178503,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128601211271,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128601244039,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128601276807,"sku":null,"price":765.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128601309575,"sku":null,"price":720.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128601342343,"sku":null,"price":230.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128601375111,"sku":null,"price":930.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128601407879,"sku":null,"price":875.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128601440647,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128601473415,"sku":null,"price":1400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128601506183,"sku":null,"price":1300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68128601538951,"sku":null,"price":515.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68128601571719,"sku":null,"price":1875.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68128601604487,"sku":null,"price":1750.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_38797b71-45d1-46cc-b308-5281830c6c50.jpg?v=1793905618","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.co.uk\/fr\/products\/old-map-of-manitowish-waters-wisconsin-by-usgs-1946-little-star-lake-dead-pike-lake","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}