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1958 Map of Decatur

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Decatur
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

Decatur and the central Illinois prairie landscape appear here during a period of significant post-war infrastructure expansion. The map detail highlights the convergence of major rail lines, including the Wabash RR and Illinois Central RR, which traditionally anchored the industrial economy of the region. As road travel increased, the emergence of the interstate system is evident with routes like I-55 and I-57 beginning to supersede the historic path of U.S. 66.

Water management and recreation are central themes, visible through the presence of Lake Decatur on the Sangamon River and the sprawling Lake Shelbyville. Small rural settlements such as Williamsville, Lanesville, and Cerro Gordo dot the grid-like township system, reflecting the enduring agricultural character of counties like Sangamon and Macon. Conservation areas, including Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park, provide a contrast to the surrounding productive farmland.