1961 Map of Chatham

About this map

The waters of Lake Springfield dominate the eastern landscape of this early 1960s survey, illustrating the significant recreational and infrastructural development south of the Illinois state capital. The village of Chatham serves as a primary inland hub, situated where the Gulf Mobile and Ohio and Illinois Terminal railroads converge. These rail lines, along with the Illinois Central to the east, define the local transport corridor through the townships of Woodside and Ball. Along the winding path of Sugar Creek, a Covered Bridge and several scouting camps, including Boy Scout Camp and Girl Scout Camp, indicate a landscape balanced between rural agriculture and organized community activity. Genealogists will find historical value in the locations of Stout Cem and St Bernard Cem, while the presence of the National Guard Depot and Southlawn neighborhood highlights the mid-century expansion of residential and military footprints.