1928 Map of River Forest

About this map

The Des Plaines River carves a winding path through this transitional landscape on the western edge of Chicago during the mid-1920s. This era of rapid suburbanization is visible in the dense grid of Oak Park and Elmwood Park contrasting with the more open acreage of the Leyden and Proviso townships. The map is particularly notable for its concentration of institutional and memorial grounds, including the large State Hospital in Dunning and a vast corridor of burial sites such as Acacia Park Cemetery, St. Joseph Cemetery, and All Saints Cemetery. Heavy rail infrastructure supports the region's growth, with the Norpaul Yards serving as a significant industrial hub. The survey also captures early leisure culture through numerous private clubs like the Oak Park Country Club and Ridgemoor Country Club, alongside educational landmarks like Rosary College.