1953 Map of Arlington Heights

About this map

The Des Plaines River corridor and the Chicago and Northwestern rail lines define this landscape during a period of rapid suburban transition. This 1953 revision reveals the early footprint of modern transportation infrastructure, featuring Pal-Waukee Airport and Ravenswood Airport, alongside the burgeoning O'Hare Field at the southern edge. The residential expansion of Arlington Heights and Des Plaines is captured in detail, showing a dense network of local schools like Arlington Ridge Sch and Dryden Sch. Religious and social institutions such as the Diatonian Novitiate and St Patrick Academy stand alongside established landmarks like Magnus Farm, reflecting a shift from agricultural tracts to a cohesive suburban community. The inclusion of the Allison Woods BridLE Path and multiple country clubs indicates the development of the river's edge for public recreation.