Published in its 1989 imprint from a 1971 topographic foundation, the US Geological Survey’s “Drummond” captures a richly wooded corner of Bayfield County, Wisconsin, at the precise 1:24,000 scale for which the USGS quadrangle series is renowned. Centered on the community of Drummond, the map presents the surrounding terrain with disciplined clarity: contour lines articulate subtle rises and lowlands, while symbols identify roads, streams, lakes, forest boundaries, and human settlement. It is both a practical survey document and a historical portrait of northern Wisconsin at a moment when small towns, timberlands, lakeside recreation, and public forest management were becoming increasingly intertwined. The result is a compelling record of place, balancing scientific precision with the quiet drama of the Northwoods landscape.

Drummond itself appears as a modest but significant settlement within a broad natural setting, its position shaped by transportation routes, forest resources, and proximity to water. State Highway 63 and County Road D provide the map’s principal threads of movement, connecting the town to surrounding lakes, wooded tracts, and nearby communities beyond the quadrangle. The cartography reveals a landscape in which roads are relatively sparse, emphasizing the area’s rural character and the enduring dominance of forest. Around Drummond, the pattern of clearings, routes, and waterways hints at histories of logging, settlement, and outdoor recreation. For collectors, this is precisely the appeal of a USGS map: it records not only geography, but the lived structure of a region at a specific point in time.

The presence of Chequamegon National Forest gives the map much of its character and historical resonance. Established to restore and manage lands once heavily cut over during the great logging era, the forest became one of Wisconsin’s defining conservation landscapes. On this quadrangle, forested areas occupy much of the terrain, interspersed with lakes, wetlands, streams, and potential trail corridors. The topographic treatment allows the viewer to read the land’s gentle but varied relief, where drainage patterns and wooded uplands shape travel, habitation, and recreation. This is a map of a landscape managed for multiple purposes: timber, wildlife, watershed protection, and public enjoyment. Its dense natural detail evokes the enduring appeal of northern Wisconsin as a place of lakes, pines, and quiet roads.

Water is one of the map’s most captivating themes. Lake Namakagon, Lake Bony, Fish Lake, and numerous unnamed lakes and streams appear as defining features of the region, set within a broader network of wetlands and drainage channels. The St. Croix River and Iron River systems point to the hydrological importance of this terrain, where headwaters, lakes, and forested watersheds contribute to larger river networks extending far beyond the immediate area. The map’s blue water features contrast elegantly with the contouring and forest symbols, emphasizing how deeply the region’s identity is tied to its lakes and rivers. For anglers, paddlers, hikers, and naturalists, such details would have been indispensable; for today’s viewer, they offer a beautifully precise window into a water-rich northern landscape.

As a work of the US Geological Survey, the “Drummond” quadrangle belongs to one of the most influential mapping traditions in American cartography. The USGS topographic style is admired for its restraint, legibility, and authority: every contour, road classification, stream course, and symbol contributes to an integrated understanding of the land. Beyond its immediate utility, this 1971-based map offers a benchmark for studying change—shifts in land use, forest management, recreation infrastructure, road development, and settlement patterns can all be measured against its carefully recorded details. Its appeal lies in that dual identity: a government survey made for practical navigation and planning, and a finely composed historical document preserving the geography of Drummond and the Chequamegon country with understated elegance.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Drummond
• Chequamegon National Forest
• Lake Namakagon
• Lake Bony
• Fish Lake
• St. Croix River
• Iron River
• State Highway 63
• County Road D
• Various unnamed lakes and streams
• Numerous forested areas and potential trails adjacent to water bodies

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the US Geological Survey, this historical 1:24,000 topographical map shows Drummond in Wisconsin and the surrounding area.
• The map is dated 1971 and carries a 1989 imprint.
• The USGS has played a significant role in providing reliable topographic maps for land management, environmental assessments, and recreation planning.
• The map uses a standard topographical style, with contour lines representing elevation and shaded relief providing depth perception.
• Symbols indicate roads, water bodies, and other geographical features.
• The map shows a diverse landscape, with major water bodies and forested areas prominent throughout the region.
• As a map with a 1971 foundation, it serves as a historical reference point for comparing land use and development changes over time.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed 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.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every 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.

With 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 rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.