1968 Map of Christopher

About this map

Southern Illinois coal country is centered here in the late 1960s, defined by the industrial and social infrastructure of Christopher and its surrounding mining settlements. The landscape is a network of rail lines including the Illinois Central Railroad and the Missouri Pacific Railroad, which serviced the active extractive economy of Franklin County. Local genealogy is deeply etched into the land through numerous burial grounds like Old Mulkeytown Cem, Knight Cem, and the Miners Cem near Royalton. In Christopher, the presence of the Miners Hospital and the Washington St Andrews Sch reflects the established community life of the mid-20th century. Water management is a visible priority, with the Christopher Reservoir, Zeigler Reservoir, and various sewage disposal ponds supporting the dense residential clusters. To the south, the Big Muddy River meanders through Six Mile township, passing the Royalton Lookout Tower and Super-Kol Park.