1963 Map of Mokena

About this map

Hickory Creek and Marley Creek converge within this early 1960s portrait of Will County, documenting a landscape at the threshold of suburban expansion. The concentrated development of Mokena and New Lenox is balanced by significant forest preserves like Messenger Woods and Van Horne Woods Forest Preserve. The influence of the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroad is evident, shaping the growth of these villages while smaller hamlets like Alpine and Gilletts remain distinct. Local history and genealogy researchers can trace numerous rural landmarks, from the Brooks Cem in the north to the St Johns Cem near the creek. The map also captures several local educational institutions of the era, including Lincoln-Way High Sch and several smaller neighborhood schools like Doctor Sch and Maue Sch, illustrating the community's mid-century infrastructure.