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1961 Map of Chatham

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Chatham
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

The expansive waters of Lake Springfield dominate the eastern landscape of this Sangamon County region during the early 1960s. The village of Chatham sits as a primary junction for the Illinois Terminal and the Gulf Mobile and Ohio railroads, illustrating the area's transition from a rural agricultural hub into a suburban neighbor of the state capital. Evidence of mid-century infrastructure and community life is visible through features like the National Guard Depot, the Lincoln Land Jr College, and multiple youth retreats including the Boy Scout Camp and Girl Scout Camp.

Local history is preserved in the placement of the St Bernard Cem near Glenarm and the Stout Cem overlooking the lake. Significant waterways such as Sugar Creek, Lick Creek, and Polecat Creek meander through the townships, crossed by landmarks like the Covered Bridge and the Glasser Bridge. The inclusion of 1971 photorevisions highlights the rapid growth of settlements like Southlawn and Toronto as residential patterns expanded.