1971 Map of De Kalb

About this map

Northern Illinois University dominates the western edge of De Kalb, reflecting a period of significant institutional expansion in the early 1970s. The map illustrates a landscape transitioning from the grid-iron agricultural fields of South Grove and Milan townships to a growing suburban and academic center. The South Branch Kishwaukee River winds through the city's parks, including Lions Park and Lincoln Park, providing a natural corridor amid the residential blocks and the campus core. To the west, the village of Malta remains a distinct rail-oriented settlement along the Chicago and North Western line. This survey is particularly useful for genealogy, capturing numerous local schools such as Newman Sch and Lucinda Sch, along with well-established burial grounds like Hudson Cem and Malta Cem.