AUDUBON COUNTY.

This county is the third east from the Missouri River, and in the fourth tier from the southern boundary line of the state. It contains twelve congressional townships -- the three southern ones being fractional -- or a superficial area of about 446 square miles.

SURFACE FEATURES.

The surface is generally rolling and almost entirely free from ponds or marshes. The East Nishnabotany River rises in Carroll County and flows south through the entire length of Audubon, through a wide valley of unsurpassed fertility, that rises by gentle slopes from the streams to the upland prairies, which stretch away in undulating swells, rising and falling, one beyond another, until they are lost in the lights and shades of the distant horizon. The valleys of the other streams, though less in extent, present the same characteristics, while the high prairie lands between the streams are beautiful and well defined divides, with slight depressions, sloping down to the ravines which carry away the surplus water. The soil in the valley is a dark loam, somewhat mixed with sand, and exceedingly fertile, while on the divides and high prairies the soil is mainly composed of what the geologists term bluff deposit, a light mulatto-colored fine material, containing more or less calcareous matter and a small percentage of clay, which has proved to be a very productive soil.

The largest stream is East Nishnabotany River, which flows from north to south, dividing the county nearly equally, and presenting a valley of unsurpassed beauty and fertility. It has a number of valuable tributaries among which are David's Troublesome, Blue Grass and Gifford Creeks. The south-east townships are watered and drained by Crooked, Hamlin's and Frost Creeks, all tributaries of Troublesome Creek. South Raccoon River has its source in the northeast part of this county; while among other streams of sufficient importance to have received names are Whitted, Indian and Buck Creeks. The streams mentioned pass through and drain every township in the county, and with other branches not mentioned, form an admirable system of natural drainage, and afford pure living water for stock at all seasons of the year. The county is also noted for the excellent character of its springs, which are found along all the valleys. Wells are every where easily obtained. The Nishnabotany River affords some good water powers.

The main bodies of timber are along the Nishnabotany River, and mostly in the south half of the county. The largest body is what is known as Ballard's Grove, and contains about 2,000 acres. The timber is chiefly oak, walnut, maple, linn, hickory, elm, hackberry, cottonwood and cherry. The various wild fruits common in other parts of the state are found.

"A. T. Andreas Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa", Chicago: Andreas Atlas Co., 1875, pg. 477.