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1928 Map of River Forest

Name: 1928 Topographic Map of River Forest
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1928
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1928

About this map

The Des Plaines River winds through this 1920s landscape, marking a distinct boundary between the dense residential blocks of western Chicago and the emerging suburban expansion of Leyden and Proviso townships. The map reveals the intricate urban grid advancing toward the river, punctuated by massive institutional and recreational spaces. Notable among these are the sprawling grounds of the Chicago State Hospital at Dunning and a significant cluster of memorial sites, including Mt Olive Cemetery and Acacia Park Cemetery.

Transportation infrastructure drives the development of these outskirts, with the Chicago and North Western and Soo Line railroads cutting through established settlements like Franklin Park and River Grove. Farther south, the academic presence of Rosary College anchors the community of River Forest, while major leisure destinations like the Oak Park Country Club and Ridgemoor Country Club preserve open space amidst the encroaching street car and residential lines.