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1963 Map of River Forest

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of River Forest
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1982
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1982

About this map

The Des Plaines River corridor serves as the spine for this densely developed suburban region west of Chicago. While residential neighborhoods and schools like Elmwood Park High Sch and Ridgewood High Sch dominate the landscape, a significant portion of the area is dedicated to a green belt of forest preserves, including Robinson Woods North and Thatcher Woods. These preserves protect the river's winding course, contrasting with the rigid urban grid and the heavy infrastructure of the Kennedy Expressway and Tri-State Tollway.

Cultural and institutional landmarks are particularly prominent, with a vast concentration of burial grounds such as St Joseph Cemetery and Waldheim Cemetery. Healthcare and leisure are well-represented by facilities like the Chicago State Hospital and the Maywood Park Racetrack. This layout illustrates the mid-century expansion of Cook County, where suburban growth was carefully balanced with large-scale public institutions and regional parks.