1900s (20th Century) Maps of Sterling, Illinois

Explore 10 historic maps of Sterling from the 1900s (20th Century). These maps offer a rare glimpse into what life looked like during the 1900s — showing old roads, neighborhoods, homes, and landmarks that have changed or disappeared over time.

Whether you're researching your family's past, planning a metal detecting trip, or studying how Sterling's landscape evolved across the 1900s, these high-resolution maps are a powerful tool for exploring the history of this region.

  • Focus on a specific era: All maps on this page are from the 1900s, giving you a focused view of this time period.
  • See what’s changed: Compare century-old streets, trails, and buildings to today's modern landscape using overlays and satellite layers.
  • Research with precision: Use these maps for genealogy, historical research, land use analysis, or educational projects.
  • View, download, or print: Maps are fully viewable online in high resolution, and can be downloaded or printed for your own records.

Start exploring Sterling's history through authentic maps from the 1900s. This is your window into the past.


Sterling, IL maps

(10)
  1. 1930 Map of Woodsung
    1930 Map of Woodsung
    1930 Woodsung
    1930 Print · USGS
    Northern Illinois at the dawn of the 1930s shows a landscape of tight-knit farming townships linked by the Lincoln Highway. Genealogists and local historians can trace schoolhouse locations like Stone Sch and Gap Grove Sch, or locate family sites near the Prairieville Cem.

  2. 1934 Map of Morrison
    1934 Map of Morrison
    1934 Morrison
    1934 Print · USGS
    Whiteside County is seen here in the 1930s as a thriving agricultural landscape defined by the Chicago and Northwestern rail line. Researchers can trace rural school districts and family cemeteries such as Union Grove Cemetery, Coleta, and Milledgeville.
    2 unique versions available

  3. 1940 Map of Morrison
    1940 Map of Morrison
    1940 Morrison
    1940 Print · USGS
    Whiteside and Carroll counties thrive as a robust agricultural landscape during the late 1930s, defined by the twin engines of the Rock River and major rail lines. Genealogists can locate dozens of country schools like Ideal Sch and old cemeteries including Clyde Cem and Bethel Cem.
    2 unique versions available

  4. 1946 Map of Sterling, 1969 Print
    1946 Map of Sterling, 1969 Print
    1946 Sterling
    1969 Print · USGS
    The Rock River corridor in the mid-1940s is captured here, showing the industrial heart of the region alongside its deep agricultural roots. Researchers can find dozens of country schools and cemeteries, including Buffalo Grove Sch, Zion Cem, and Oak Knoll Mem Park Cem.

  5. 1948 Map of Sterling
    1948 Map of Sterling
    1948 Sterling
    1948 Print · USGS
    Mid-century Sterling and Rock Falls are captured here during a time of robust rail and river activity. Genealogists can trace family roots through dozens of rural landmarks, including the Prairieville settlement, West Science Ridge Ch, and Hitt Cem.
    2 unique versions available

  6. 1958 Map of Aurora, 1969 Print
    1958 Map of Aurora, 1969 Print
    1958 Aurora
    1969 Print · USGS
    Northern Illinois in the late fifties shows a landscape of powerful river industry and expanding transport corridors. Genealogists and historians can trace the development of Aurora and Joliet or locate sites like the Elwood Ordnance Plant and Starved Rock.
    3 unique versions available

  7. 1961 Map of Aurora
    1961 Map of Aurora
    1961 Aurora
    1961 Print · USGS
    Northern Illinois at the height of the post-war era reveals a landscape of massive industrial works and thriving river towns. Genealogists and historians can trace the paths of the Lincoln Highway or locate long-standing landmarks like the Green River Ordnance Plant and Starved Rock State Park.

  8. 1983 Map of Sterling, 1984 Print
    1983 Map of Sterling, 1984 Print
    1983 Sterling
    1984 Print · USGS
    Sterling and Rock Falls are shown here at the Rock River in the early eighties, joined by a network of bridges and railroads. Researchers can trace neighborhood growth through local landmarks like Newman Central High Sch, the Indian Mounds Historic Site, and Oak Knoll Cem.
    2 unique versions available

  9. 1985 Map of Dixon
    1985 Map of Dixon
    1985 Dixon
    1985 Print · USGS
    North-central Illinois in the mid-eighties was a land of river cities and expansive prairies defined by rail lines and private airfields. Researchers can locate family landmarks like Oakwood Cem, the Sword Landing Strip, and Sauk Valley College while tracing the C & N W railroad.
    2 unique versions available

  10. 1985 Map of Como, 1986 Print
    1985 Map of Como, 1986 Print
    1985 Como
    1986 Print · USGS
    Whiteside County is captured here in the mid-1980s, defined by the winding Rock River and a busy rail corridor. Researchers can trace the layout of Como, identify the Chicago and North Western tracks, and locate the Quarry near Emerson.

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