Loading map...

1944 Map of Gilman

Name: 1944 Topographic Map of Gilman
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

Gilman and the surrounding Iroquois County prairie appear in this mid-1940s landscape as a major crossroads for both rail and river traffic. The Illinois Central and the Toledo Peoria And Western railroads intersect here, defining the development of towns like Danforth, Ashkum, and Clifton. To the east, the Iroquois River meanders through the terrain, crossed by several named landmarks such as Fiddler Bridge and L'Erable Bridge.

The map is particularly dense with rural infrastructure, documenting dozens of neighborhood schoolhouses including Swival Sch, Leggottville Sch, and the uniquely named Ross Farm Sch. Small family and community burial grounds, such as Clark Cem and Bardon Cem, are preserved in their original context amongst the section-line roads. This survey provides a clear view of the drainage network, featuring Langan Creek and Prairie Creek, which was essential for the agricultural productivity of this Illinois heartland.