1963 Map of Blue Island

About this map

Blue Island and its surrounding south Chicago suburbs are defined here by a dense concentration of civic, religious, and commercial infrastructure during a period of significant postwar growth. The map illustrates the transition from traditional rail-oriented settlement to auto-centric development, notably at the Evergreen Plaza Shopping Center and along the Tri-State Tollway. Extensive land use is dedicated to massive memorial grounds, including St Casimir Cemetery, Evergreen Cemetery, and Burr Oak Cemetery, which create significant green breaks in the urban grid. The rail network remains a dominant feature, with the Illinois Central Gulf RR and Chicago Rock Island and Pacific RR carving paths through neighborhoods like Evergreen Park and Robbins. Local institutions such as Roseland Hospital and the Academy of Our Lady appear alongside recreational landmarks like the Beverly Country Club, reflecting a mature suburban landscape anchored by established community anchors.