Loading map...

2021 Map of Shields

Name: 2021 Topographic Map of Shields
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2021
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2021

About this map

The Skillet Fork river and its wide floodplains dominate the northern reaches of this Illinois landscape, winding past low elevations like Potatoe Hill. Small farming communities including Shields, Stratton, and Keenesville anchor a network of rural county roads that bridge various tributaries, such as Elm Cr and Horse Cr. The map reveals a dense distribution of rural burial grounds, highlighting the deep genealogical roots of the region through sites like New Home Cem, Wells Chapel Cem, and the uniquely named Ten Post Oak Cem.

Industry and transport are characterized by local infrastructure like Garrison Bridge and Mud Bridge, which provide essential crossings over the marshy terrain of Horseshoe Slough. The convergence of Marion, Wayne, and Jefferson counties in this quadrant underscores the map's value for local researchers tracing property lines and family heritage near smaller landmarks like McConnaughhay Cem and Garrison Temple Cem.