1964 Map of Momence

About this map

The Kankakee River winds through this Illinois landscape, defining the industrial and social character of Momence and its surrounding townships. In the mid-1960s, the river’s path was dotted with numerous islands such as Parish Island, Koops Island, and Maple Island, while the town itself was a nexus of heavy rail activity. The Chicago and Eastern Illinois and the Louisville and Nashville railroads intersect here, supporting local industry represented by nearby Sandpits and a Gravel Pit. To the north, Grant Park sits adjacent to Lake Metonga, while rural life is anchored by several long-standing institutions including St Patricks Academy and St Judes Seminary. The map also documents numerous family and parish burial sites such as Union Corner Cem and Mount Airy Cem, providing a detailed look at the cultural geography of Kankakee County before late 20th-century development.