1974 Map of London Mills

About this map

The Spoon River carves a winding path through the borderlands of Knox and Fulton counties, defining a landscape shaped by both coal extraction and small-town commerce in the mid-1970s. The settlement of London Mills serves as a northern anchor, while Ellisville sits downstream to the south. Transportation and industry are central to this era, evidenced by the Chicago and North Western rail line and a prominent Strip Mine located in Chestnut township. Local genealogy is well-documented through several family and community burial grounds, including Pleasant Hill Cem, Heartley Cem, Flake Cem, and Landon Cem. The map also captures specialized rural features such as the Indian Ford Bridge and Camp Wilderness, reflecting a period when the river valley remained a vital corridor for both recreation and local industry.