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1954 Map of French Village

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of French Village
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1993
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1993

About this map

The urban sprawl of the Metro East region is captured during a period of significant post-war expansion, anchored by the industrial and residential centers of East St Louis and Belleville. The map illustrates the complex transportation network of the era, including the Southern Railway and the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, which serviced the heavy industrial corridor. High-density residential pockets like Washington Park and Centreville are shown alongside evolving developments such as Fairview Heights and the distinctive track at Cahokia Downs.

Local landmarks such as St Henry Seminary and the Township Hospital provide important context for genealogists and local historians. The landscape transitions from the flatlands near Grand Marais State Park to the elevated terrain of Signal Hill and Clarks Mound. Unusual features for a suburbanizing area include a Shale Mine and the Flying Dutchmen Landing Strip, indicating the mix of industrial legacy and private aviation present in St. Clair County during the mid-20th century.