1958 Map of Aurora

About this map

The Illinois River corridor and its industrial-agricultural surroundings define this mid-century portrait of northern Illinois. Heavy rail infrastructure, including the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe lines, crisscrosses the landscape, supporting established manufacturing centers like Aurora, Joliet, and Streator. Cultural and conservation sites are prominent, from Northern Illinois University in De Kalb to the natural landmarks at Starved Rock State Park and White Pines Forest State Park. The map documents a period of rapid suburban expansion along the Illinois Tollway toward the eastern edge, while the southwestern reaches remain dominated by rural river valleys and drainage systems like the Green River and Bureau Creek. This 1958 survey, revised in 1980, captures the area before the full transition of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant and the expansion of the regional park system.