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1947 Map of Chester

Name: 1947 Topographic Map of Chester
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

The Mississippi River and Kaskaskia River converge here, shaping a landscape defined by shifting watercourses and fertile islands. In this mid-century view, Kaskaskia Island stands as a prominent piece of Illinois territory now located west of the main river channel, containing the historic settlement of Kaskaskia and the site of Old Kaskaskia. The river economy is evident through various landings such as Okaw Ldg and Farmers Ldg, while the railroad infrastructure is dominated by the Missouri Pacific RR and the Iron Mountain Southern RR (Thebes Line).

Local industry and civic life are visible in the large Penitentiary at Menard and the Giboney Mine to the southwest. The rural interior is densely populated with small country schools like Cain Hill School and Thompson School, alongside family-named landmarks such as Preston Cemetery. The map reflects a complex boundary history, noted by the many indefinite boundary lines between Randolph, Perry, and Ste. Genevieve counties.