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1915 Map of Ottawa

Name: 1915 Topographic Map of Ottawa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1948
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1948

About this map

The confluence of the Fox River and the Illinois River serves as the focal point for this survey, where the industrial city of Ottawa sits at a critical junction of waterway and rail transport. The northern bank of the river is dominated by the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroad, highlighting the area's legacy as a transportation corridor. To the west, the landscape transitions into the distinctive geological formations of Starved Rock State Park, featuring named landmarks like Buffalo Rock and several carved ravines including Kaskaskia Canyon and Wildcat Canyon.

Rural life in the early 20th century is meticulously documented through an extensive network of country schools and small settlements. From the Chautauqua Grounds near the river to outlying locations like Prairie Center and Sulphur Springs, the map reveals a densely settled agricultural landscape. Unique educational sites such as Hickory College and Thorson School appear alongside essential infrastructure like Lock No 12 and the Marseilles Lock, providing a detailed look at the region's development before post-war modernization.