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1981 Map of Clear Lake

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Clear Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

The Sangamon River carves a complex course through this portion of Cass County, creating a mosaic of backwaters, sloughs, and lakes. The Sanganois State Conservation Area dominates the northern half of the landscape, protecting a labyrinthine network of water bodies such as Eagle Lake, Chain Lake, and Crane Lake. This intricate wetland environment, including Cuba Island and Knapps Island, underscores the historical importance of the river’s natural flood cycle before modern hydrologic modifications changed the surrounding Illinois plains.

South of the river, the terrain transitions into the agricultural reaches of Bluff Springs and the Sangamon Valley. Local history is preserved in small landmarks like the Brick Sch and several family burial grounds, including Hager Cem and Carr Cem. The presence of Phelps Ditch and other drainage features highlights the mid-century efforts to reclaim fertile bottomlands for farming near Lynchburg.