Loading map...

1937 Map of De Kalb

Name: 1937 Topographic Map of De Kalb
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1937
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1937

About this map

Lincoln Highway cuts across the northern half of this landscape, connecting the growing hub of De Kalb with smaller prairie rail towns like Malta and Creston. This survey reflects an agricultural economy in transition, where a dense network of country schools, such as Toad Hollow Sch and Milan Sch, still anchors rural life between the expanding rail corridors of the Chicago and Northwestern and the Chicago Burlington and Quincy.

The hydrology of De Kalb County is well-defined by the three primary branches of the Kishwaukee River, which drain the northern townships, while Indian Creek and Dry Run snake through the southern portion near Shabbona. Family history researchers can identify several rural burial grounds, including Woodlawn Cem and English Cem, alongside early aviation infrastructure like the Landing Field near the eastern margin. These details provide a clear view of the mid-1930s settlement pattern across Lynnville, Afton, and Clinton townships.