1907 Map of Belleville

About this map

Scott Field stands as a prominent aviation landmark on this topographic survey of Madison and St. Clair counties, reflecting the region's importance just before the mid-century expansion. The landscape is defined by a dense network of early 20th-century transportation, including the St Louis O'Fallon and Lebanon Electric RR and the Vandalia Line. In Belleville and O'Fallon, the grid-patterned growth of these rail-and-road hubs is clearly visible, while smaller settlements like Ridge Prairie and Formosa maintain their rural character. The map meticulously traces the paths of Silver Creek and Loop Creek, showing how the natural drainage shaped the development of Shiloh Valley and the surrounding farmland. For those researching local history, the inclusion of numerous Cem sites and outlying schools provides a detailed look at the social fabric of southwestern Illinois during this era.