1957 Map of Karlsruhe

About this map

The Great Northern railroad cuts a diagonal path through the prairie of McHenry County, anchoring the town of Karlsruhe. This mid-century survey captures the agricultural landscape at a time when the rural school system was in transition, as evidenced by several sites like Hubbel Sch No 1 (Abandoned) and Hubbel Sch No 2 (Abandoned), while Hubbel Sch No 3 and School No 3 remained active. The meandering Wintering River and bodies of water like Herrington Lake dominate the central terrain, bordered by the distinct topography of Hogback Ridge. For genealogists, the map preserves the exact locations of local burial grounds including SS Peter and Paul Cem and Stenso Cem. The presence of numerous Gravel Pits and a Claypit suggests the local importance of aggregate and earth resources in the townships of Villard, Karlsruhe, Odin, and Balfour.