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1949 Map of Rockford

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Rockford
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1949
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1949

About this map

The Rock River corridor anchors this post-war landscape, showing the rapid expansion of Rockford and Loves Park during a period of significant industrial and residential growth. The core of the city is densely detailed, featuring major institutional anchors such as Rockford College, the Court House, and a concentration of healthcare facilities including Swedish American Hosp, St Anthony Hosp, and the County Hosp.

Railroad connectivity defines the urban layout, with tracks of the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific, Chicago and North Western, and Illinois Central threading through the industrial districts. Beyond the city center, the map documents early aviation history at Machesney Landing Field and numerous local landmarks like Whig Hill Sch and Harlem Ch. Recreation areas such as the Alpine Forest Preserve and Rockford Country Club provide a snapshot of mid-century civic planning along the river and its tributaries.