1982 Map of Erie

About this map

Rock River meanders across this Whiteside County landscape, defining the character of the Erie and Portland townships in the early 1980s. The river's influence is evident in the oxbows and wetlands of the Big Bend State Conservation Area and the quiet waters of Hadaway Slough. Settlement patterns are well-established here, with the town of Erie serving as a central hub, flanked by the smaller rural communities of Fenton and Newton Corners. The local economy and history are grounded in the land, shown through the presence of several Gravel Pits and the Burlington Northern railroad lines that cut through the terrain. Significant local landmarks include Mineral Spring and the Smack Cem, providing valuable points of reference for those researching family history or the development of this river-bound region before modern expansions.