1942 Map of Delavan

About this map

Delavan and South Pekin anchor this mid-century portrait of Central Illinois, where a complex network of railroads and rural infrastructure defines the landscape. The Chicago and Northwestern and Alton lines intersect at San Jose, reflecting a period when rail remained central to the transport of agricultural goods. The terrain is marked by a high density of country schools and churches, such as Tullamore Sch and Sand Prairie Ch, which reveal the distributed nature of the rural population before mid-century consolidation. Drainage projects like the Main Ditch and Ditch alongside Crane Creek demonstrate the intensive effort to manage the fertile lowlands of Sand Prairie and Allen Grove. Notable family-named landmarks like Hickory Grove Sch and Meixsell Sch provide specific touchpoints for local genealogists tracing the legacy of these farming townships.