1911 Map of Elizabeth

About this map

Elizabeth stands as a central hub in Jo Daviess County at the height of the driftless area's mining and agricultural activity. The landscape is marked by a dense network of country schools, such as Equal Rights School and Terrapin Ridge School, serving a rural population before the consolidation of the mid-20th century. Lead and zinc mining legacies are clearly visible through labels for the Wishon Mine, Hagerty Mine, and Skene Mine southwest of town. Three major rail lines, including the Illinois Central RR and Chicago Great Western RR, cut through the ridges and valleys, connecting settlements like Scales Mound and Stockton to regional markets. The map captures the intricate drainage of the Apple River and its numerous forks, which dictated the placement of early roads and the small hamlets of Schapville and Millyville.