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1954 Map of New Athens West

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of New Athens West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1982
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1982

About this map

Kaskaskia River dominates the eastern half of this landscape, its winding course accompanied by a network of backwater lakes and ponds such as Stubblefield Lake, Halfmoon Lake, and Sawmill Lake. The confluence of river-based commerce and rail transport is evident near New Athens, where the Illinois Central Gulf railroad skirts the edge of the New Athens State Wildlife Area. To the west, the terrain transitions into the broad expanse of Prairie Du Long, characterized by scattered farmsteads and rural crossroads.

Local heritage is deeply rooted in the small settlements and religious landmarks across the St. Clair and Monroe county line. Genealogists will find numerous family-linked burial sites, including Darmstatter Cem, Ridge Cem, and the Hecker Freedom Cem. Significant community anchors like St Marcus Ch near St Marcus Prairie and Immanuel Beth emphasize the cultural history of these rural Illinois townships during the mid-20th century.