Scott County map headed to capitol for evaluation

BENTON, Mo. -- A 100-year-old map of Scott County accidentally discovered last summer will be taken to Jefferson City, Mo.

Joan Feezor of the secretary of state's office told Scott County commissioners this week she will e-mail the conservators first and "see what they think" and is willing to take the map to the state Capitol "to have the conservators look at it."

Rita Milam, county clerk, said county officials want to preserve and make prints of the map.

Conservators "would probably do some surface cleaning," said Feezor, "some mending of loose pieces," adding that the highway department in Jefferson City has cameras that can photograph and reproduce the map.

The 1901 county map was discovered in July by Judge Hense Winchester's clerks while cleaning and moving old filing cabinets in the probate vault.

The map appears to have been hand-drawn on a textile material. The top and bottom of the map are attached to wooden dowels with which it can be hung on a wall or rolled up.

"This is a good map," said Feezor. "Pre-Little River Drainage District."