1974 Map of Farmington West

About this map

The industrial and agricultural landscapes of western Illinois converge near Farmington during the mid-1970s. This survey records a region defined by extensive Strip Mined Area developments that carved through the terrain between Middle Grove and the northern reaches of Norris. These large-scale operations stand in stark contrast to the small, enduring rural settlements and burial grounds that dot the quadrangle. Genealogists can locate several family and community landmarks, including Blakeslee Cem, Uniontown Cem, and Coal Creek Dunkard Cem. The transit infrastructure of the era is anchored by the Burlington Northern and Chicago and North Western railroads, which served the local mining and shipping interests. Waterways like Littlers Creek and South Fork Coal Creek wind through the remaining unmined fields, while specialized sites such as an Industrial Waste Pond and a Drive-in Theater reflect the social and environmental footprint of the late twentieth century.