Geological Map of the Southern Peninsula, 1936

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Michiganology | 1000 pieces
A 1936 geological map of Michigan

The central focus is a vintage geological map titled "The Centennial Geological Map of the Southern Peninsula of Michigan," dated 1936. The map illustrates the entire Southern Peninsula, with its distinct mitten shape surrounded by Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. The landmass is color-coded in muted, earthy tones of sage green, pale blue, tan, and dusky pink, each representing different rock formations and strata across the various counties of the region.

To the left of the map, a detailed legend provides extensive technical information, listing specific geological eras and time periods aligned with their representative colors. A secondary graphic at the very bottom of the composition displays a "Geological Cross-Section of Southern Michigan," showing a side-profile view of the subterranean layers of the peninsula. This strip provides a deep, multi-layered visual of the geological strata, utilizing a warmer palette of terracotta, ochre, and soft lilac.

The overall aesthetic is that of a professional cartographic survey or scientific report from the early 20th century. The composition is highly structured, featuring clean lines, precise black-ink topography, and crisp typography. Surrounded by a wide white border, the map maintains an academic and archival quality, using a restrained, professional colour scheme that prioritizes clarity and historical accuracy for geological study.

A vintage geological map of the southern peninsula of Michigan featuring colour-coded rock formations.

This image depicts a detailed, vintage-style geological map of the southern peninsula of Michigan. The central focus is the landmass itself, illustrated with various shades of blue, brown, and pink to signify different geological formations and rock layers. The peninsula is oriented vertically, surrounded by a faint outline of the surrounding Great Lakes, with fine text labeling counties and geological features throughout the interior.

Along the left-hand margin, a vertical legend provides a comprehensive key, using a column of colour-coded blocks to correspond with the different rock ages shown on the map. In the upper right corner, a title block reads "Geological Map of the Southern Peninsula of Michigan" along with various administrative and cartographic credits.

At the bottom of the map, a separate horizontal cross-section diagram shows an idealized view of the subterranean rock layers. These layers mimic the colour palette of the map above, creating a cohesive visual representation of the region's complex stratigraphy. The overall aesthetic is that of a historical scientific document, using muted, earthy, and washed-out blue tones typical of late 19th or early 20th-century print cartography. The background is a pale, off-white parchment colour, emphasizing the clean, technical lines of the map's grids and labels.

A 1936 geological map of Michigan
A vintage geological map of the southern peninsula of Michigan featuring colour-coded rock formations.
🌎 Geography 🏛️ History
Rectangular Portrait | | Cardboard
#Cartography #geology #Historical #Map #Michigan
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Submitted 2026-06-13
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