2015 Map of Rockwood

About this map

The Mississippi River creates a dynamic border between Illinois and Missouri, anchoring a landscape shaped by both alluvial bottoms and rising bluffs. In the north, the terrain of Pleasant Ridge and the eastern edge of the Shawnee National Forest contrast with the low-lying Bois Brule drainage district. This topography dictated the placement of small agricultural settlements like Rockwood, Degognia, and Menfro. The river corridor itself is marked by notable navigational and terrain features, including Liberty Bar, Potato Bend, and the large landmass of Crains Island. The prevalence of small family and community burial grounds, such as Kirk Cem, Isom Cem, and Hindman Cem, reflects a deep history of localized rural life across both riverbanks. Transportation networks follow the river's contour, with the Great River RD and Levee RD providing critical access to the fertile but flood-prone bottomlands.