1912 Map of Milan

About this map

Mississippi River and Rock River dominate the northern landscape of this survey, defining a network of islands including Suburban Island, Pettifer Island, and Vandruff Island. The urban centers of Moline and Rock Island are shown as they expanded toward the river forks in the early twentieth century, while the U S Arsenal stands prominently on the riverfront. To the south, the terrain transitions into a dense grid of agricultural townships like Edgington and Preemption, where a high concentration of rural schoolhouses, such as Colony School and Excelsior School, served the farming community. The industrial character of the era is evident in the Coal Valley Mine and the convergence of multiple rail lines, including the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific RR and the Rock Island Southern RR, which linked settlements like Matherville and Taylor Ridge to the tri-city economy.