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1937 Map of Metamora

Name: 1937 Topographic Map of Metamora
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1937
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1937

About this map

The Illinois River corridor dominates the western edge of this landscape, carving a wide valley filled with intricate waterways like Goose Lake, Babb Slough, and Devess Slough. This 1930s-era documentation captures a dense network of rural infrastructure, where nearly every section contains a named schoolhouse or church serving small farming communities. The town of Metamora serves as a southern hub, while Chillicothe and North Chillicothe mark the vital crossing points for the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroad.

Industrial and social landmarks such as Coal Hol and the County Home provide insight into the local economy and civic life during this period. The survey also details the rugged ravines of Richland Creek and Crow Creek, where the transition from river bottom to upland prairie is marked by features like Hardscrabble Hill. Genealogists will find particular value in the placement of numerous country schools, including New Salem Sch and Hazel Dell Sch, alongside historic religious sites like Lourdes Ch.