Superior-Quetico [Minnesota-Ontario] Canoe Maps, 1952, lot of 5

Map Details:
color printed, double sided guide maps on crinkled, waxed paper
condition: good, as found, working maps, some with original fold lines, occasional edge wear
Dimensions: 20 3/4" x 15 3/4"
Map Descriptions:

Superior-Quetico [Minnesota-Ontario] Canoe Maps, 1952, lot of 5:
No. 104 Jean-Pickerel Lakes
No. 107 Crane-Sand Point Point-Lac La Croix
No. 108 Crooked-Agnes Lakes
No. 1112 Burntside-Basswood Lakes
No. 113 Moose-Knife-Insula Lakes
The Superior-Quetico Wilderness straddles the Minnesota-Canada border. The map key and map notes describe this region as a 14,500 mile "wilderness empire" and labyrinth of connecting lakes. A boundary chain of lakes extends 2,000 miles westerly from Lake Superior to International Falls. Another route called The Hunter's Island Route runs north into Canada for 60 miles. The map states (and warns) "The wilderness is only accessible by canoe and pack."
The purpose of the W.A.Fisher canoe maps is to permit planning a canoe trip to this vast wilderness of lakes, falls and portages. The mapping data for these 1952 maps was obtained with aerial surveys by the Canadian and U.S. governments. The maps are promised therefore to be accurate guide-tested canoe trip maps for the explorer's challenging rural canoe trip. On the face of each map is an illustrated title block that includes a Native American in a birch bark canoe. Printed on the face of the map in bold red letters is the name of a canoe outfitter, Canoe County Outfitters, Bill Rom Mgr., Ely, Minnesota that offers "Quetico, Superior Canoe Trips." In fact, on the back of the W.A. Fisher Co. maps is a list of outfitters for the region. Bill Rom has his Canoe Landing identified with a bold red marker on several of the maps.

The W.A. Fisher map key provides a sense of the historic ownership of this landscape and lake filled territory. Red hatch marks cut a narrow swath along certain water bodies, and this symbolism is shown on the map key as "Indian Reservation". Red parallel lines define a similar sized area as Park or National Forest. The Canadian Pacific Railroad appears on one map, and otherwise the key indicates abandoned rail lines, rail stations and other railroads. Roads are graded as gravel, paved, or "poor roads" and trails are marked as are essential canoe portages. Lakes and small ponds are labeled. The numerous water falls are also labeled.

W.A. Fisher's company is in business today and has a web site. It credits W.A. Fisher with having dedicated his life to mapping the region and providing guide maps to those adventurous enough to learn about the Quetico-Ontario wilderness and canoe into its lake filled universe. A complete set of the 1952 Superior-Quetico maps includes 15 sheets, numbered 101 through 115.