2018 Map of Pomona

About this map

The Pomona Natural Bridge stands as a prominent geological landmark within the rugged southern Illinois landscape, which is heavily defined by the winding reaches of the Shawnee National Forest. This 2018 survey documents a region where agricultural land and dense woodland meet, centered around the rural communities of Etherton, Pomona, and the outskirts of Carbondale. The map illustrates a high density of burial sites that provide a roadmap for local family histories, including Mount Carbon Cem, Hiller-Crab Orchard Cem, and the Union Hills Cem. Water plays a central role in the terrain's character, from the broad expanse of Cedar Lake to the intricate drainages of Cave Valley and Cove Hollow. The presence of established settlements like Poplar Ridge alongside these natural features shows the enduring intersection of human residency and the protected forest environment.