1971 Map of Manito

About this map

The village of Manito anchors this 1970s survey, situated along the Chicago and Illinois Midland railroad at the boundary between Tazewell and Mason counties. The landscape is defined by the transition from the reclaimed agricultural lands of the Illinois River floodplain to the timbered dunes of Sand Ridge State Forest. A complex network of drainage infrastructure, including Hickory Grove Ditch and Quiver Ditch, illustrates the extensive engineering required to manage the low-lying terrain for farming. In the northwestern corner, Spring Lake State Park preserves a massive backwater lake, while local landmarks like Waddell Airport and Forman High Sch provide a detailed look at the rural community structure during this era. Genealogists will find several burial grounds noted, such as Meadow Lawn Cem and Cane Grove Cem.