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1985 Map of Champaign

Name: 1985 Topographic Map of Champaign
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1989
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1989

About this map

The Sangamon River and its numerous tributaries, including Madden Creek and Camp Creek, carve through the agricultural heart of Central Illinois. This 1980s landscape is defined by the significant footprint of the Illinois Central Gulf and Norfolk and Western railroads, which connected the major hubs of Bloomington, Normal, and Rantoul. The presence of Chanute Air Force Base highlights the region's strategic military importance during the late 20th century.

Researchers will find extensive detail on the development of regional infrastructure, such as the Bloomington-Normal Airport and the Univ of Ill-Willard Airport. The creation of Clinton Lake and the preservation of areas like Moraine View State Park and Weldon Springs State Park illustrate the era's focus on both industrial water management and public recreation. From the Lake of the Woods to the small grain-stop settlements like Perdueville and Lotus, the map documents a robust prairie economy at its modern peak.