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1966 Map of La Salle

Name: 1966 Topographic Map of La Salle
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1979
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1979

About this map

The industrial and riverfront landscape of Peru and La Salle is defined by a complex network of railroads and heavy industry during the mid-to-late 20th century. The Illinois River serves as the central artery, flanked by the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific and the Chicago Burlington and Quincy railroads. To the south, Oglesby is anchored by its Cement Plant and several Quarry sites, illustrating the region's reliance on mineral extraction.

Beyond the urban centers, the map details established social institutions such as St Marys Hospital and the La Salle-Peru-Oglesby Jr College. Recreational and conservation areas like Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park provide a counterpoint to the intense industrial development along the Vermilion River. Local history is preserved through numerous cemeteries like St Vincent Cemetery and Oakwood Cem, while smaller settlements such as Jonesville and Cedar Point mark the surrounding agricultural and mining districts.