{"product_id":"old-map-of-lake-keowee-south-carolina-by-usgs-1961-pickens-oconee-county-keowee-river","title":"Old Map of Lake Keowee, South Carolina by USGS, 1961 – Pickens, Oconee County \u0026 Keowee River","description":"\u003cp\u003eTitled “Old Pickens,” this US Geological Survey quadrangle presents the Lake Keowee country of northwestern South Carolina at the precise 1:24,000 scale for which USGS topographic maps are celebrated. Created from 1961 mapping and carrying a 1981 imprint, it stands at a fascinating intersection of landscape record and later publication, offering a disciplined scientific portrait of a region undergoing profound change. The map’s careful contouring, color hierarchy, and hydrographic detail bring forward the rolling terrain of Pickens and Oconee Counties, where ridges, coves, streams, and roads knit together the foothills below the Blue Ridge. Its title evokes the older settlement geography of Pickens, while the mapped landscape reveals a broader regional story shaped by water, elevation, and development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe US Geological Survey’s hand is evident in the map’s clarity, restraint, and authority. Founded in 1879, the USGS became the nation’s principal cartographic and earth-science agency, producing maps that were both practical tools and enduring records of American landscapes. Here, its topographic language is especially expressive: brown contour lines model the hills with almost sculptural precision, blue watercourses define the drainage system, and green woodland tints suggest the density of vegetation across the uplands and valleys. Rather than decorative flourish, the beauty of the map comes from disciplined observation. Every road, creek, elevation, and settlement is integrated into a coherent visual system, allowing the viewer to read the land as surveyors, engineers, hikers, planners, and residents would have understood it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLake Keowee dominates the mapped region, bringing a striking presence to a landscape otherwise defined by older river valleys and rural uplands. The reservoir lies along the former course of the Keowee River, whose waters form part of the greater Savannah River watershed. Its intricate shoreline, coves, and branching arms contrast dramatically with the regular precision of contour lines rising away from the water. The lake is now associated with recreation, scenic homes, boating, and the modern transformation of the South Carolina foothills, yet the map’s underlying topography reveals the terrain that made such a reservoir possible: narrow valleys, sloping ridges, and a web of tributary streams feeding downward through the Piedmont edge. It is a landscape of both natural form and engineered change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe town of Pickens anchors the map in human geography, connecting the surrounding countryside through a network of roads, trails, and small developed areas. Around it, the quadrangle records the practical details of mid-twentieth-century life: route alignments, scattered residences, cultivated clearings, wooded tracts, churches, bridges, and stream crossings. The nearby Saluda River system and numerous creeks and branches reveal how water organized travel, settlement, agriculture, and local industry long before the reservoir era. The topographic character is notably varied, with elevation shifts that create a sense of intimate complexity rather than broad, open plain. Hills rise and fall in close succession, and the contours guide the eye through hollows, slopes, and ridgelines that define the everyday geography of the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a historical document, “Old Pickens” is especially compelling because it captures a place poised between inherited rural patterns and the later pressures of population growth, recreational development, and changing land use around Lake Keowee. The 1961 survey foundation preserves evidence of older roads, settlement distributions, drainage courses, and landforms, while the 1981 imprint situates the map within a period when the lake region had already begun to assume a new identity. For collectors, historians, and admirers of South Carolina landscapes, the map offers more than orientation; it is a layered record of transformation. Its contours and place names illuminate the enduring physical terrain, while its roads and waters trace the evolving relationship between communities, natural resources, and the scenic foothills they inhabit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLake Keowee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePickens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOconee County\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeowee River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSaluda River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLandforms and elevations indicated by contour lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoads and trails throughout the mapped area\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForested regions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStreams and creeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResidential and developed areas around Lake Keowee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey (USGS).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:24,000 topographical map of Lake Keowee in South Carolina and the surrounding area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDated 1961 with a 1981 imprint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe map uses vibrant colors to depict topographical features, including elevations and landforms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContour lines indicate changes in terrain and show the area’s hills, water bodies, and dense vegetation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides insight into geographical and developmental changes in the Lake Keowee area over time, especially population growth and land use changes.\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=\"\/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=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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=\"\/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=\"\/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":58815454511488,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815454544256,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815454577024,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815454609792,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815454642560,"sku":null,"price":105.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815454675328,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815454708096,"sku":null,"price":63.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815454740864,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815454773632,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815454806400,"sku":null,"price":73.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815454839168,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815454871936,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815454904704,"sku":null,"price":83.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815454937472,"sku":null,"price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815454970240,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815455003008,"sku":null,"price":73.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815455035776,"sku":null,"price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815455068544,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815455101312,"sku":null,"price":88.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815455134080,"sku":null,"price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815455166848,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815455199616,"sku":null,"price":88.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815455232384,"sku":null,"price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815455265152,"sku":null,"price":270.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815455297920,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815455330688,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815455363456,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815455396224,"sku":null,"price":115.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815455428992,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815455461760,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815455494528,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815455527296,"sku":null,"price":765.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815455560064,"sku":null,"price":720.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815455592832,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815455625600,"sku":null,"price":930.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815455658368,"sku":null,"price":875.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815455691136,"sku":null,"price":305.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815455723904,"sku":null,"price":1400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815455756672,"sku":null,"price":1300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58815455789440,"sku":null,"price":565.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58815455822208,"sku":null,"price":1975.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58815455854976,"sku":null,"price":1875.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_cc16ed7c-7c5d-45ef-a974-092c8d9fbad6.jpg?v=1788121658","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.co.uk\/products\/old-map-of-lake-keowee-south-carolina-by-usgs-1961-pickens-oconee-county-keowee-river","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}