1959 Map of Keensburg

About this map

The Wabash River serves as the winding boundary between Illinois and Indiana in this late-1950s survey, dictating the development of the river bottomlands. On the Illinois side, Keensburg and Rochester sit alongside the New York Central Railroad, which parallels the water's edge. This region is heavily defined by its drainage and petroleum history, evidenced by an extensive network of ditches like Sumner Ditch and Stormont Ditch, alongside numerous oil wells dotting the landscape. Cultural landmarks include the Purdue University Horticultural Farm and several family-named burial sites such as the Le Gier-Lovellette Cemetery. The map also captures several smaller riverbank settlements like Crawleyville and Jimtown, which are positioned near the prominent McCleary Bluffs and the meander of Big Bayou.