Loading map...

1893 Map of Calumet

Name: 1893 Topographic Map of Calumet
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1893
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1893

About this map

Industrial expansion and rail networks dominate this late 19th-century landscape south of Chicago, where marshy lowlands meet the growing urban grid. The planned industrial community of Pullman sits along the western shore of Calumet Lake, reflecting the era’s ambitious corporate-led development. To the east, South Chicago serves as a gateway to Lake Michigan, while a complex web of railroads including the Illinois Central Railroad and Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad converge near Blue Island.

The map captures the region’s hydrology before extensive modern alterations, showing the meandering Calumet River and its connection to Hyde Lake and Wolf Lake. On the southern edge, the agricultural character of Thornton and Homewood persists, defined by the winding course of Thorn Creek. The state line is clearly delineated, marking the transition into Indiana where Hammond and Maynard anchor the southeastern corridor.