1943 Map of Ina

About this map

Benton and its neighboring coal and rail communities anchoring the southern edge of Jefferson and Franklin Counties represent a significant crossroads of mid-century Illinois industry. The landscape is defined by the Big Muddy River and Casey Fork, which carve through a network of small settlements like Ina, Whittington, and Nason. A dense concentration of rural education and faith is evident, with several dozen small country schools such as Hungry Hill Sch and Mulberry Sch scattered alongside community anchors like Williams Chapel and Antioch Ch. Notably, the area around Ina features local institutions including King College and Conner College, suggesting a regional focus on education. The rail infrastructure is particularly robust, with five major lines including the Illinois Central RR and Chicago and Eastern Illinois RR facilitating the movement of goods and people across the prairie landscape.