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1953 Map of Silvis

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Silvis
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1956
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1956

About this map

The Mississippi River serves as the central artery for this mid-century industrial landscape, separating Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley in Iowa from East Moline and Silvis in Illinois. During this era, the riverbank is heavily defined by manufacturing and utility infrastructure, notably the Riverside Power Plant and an adjacent Aluminum Plant. In the center of the channel, Campbells Island State Park and Winnebago Island stand as prominent landmarks.

A dense network of railroads, including the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific, dictates the layout of the Quad Cities area. Away from the industrial core, the map reveals a transition to rural life, documented through numerous country schoolhouses like Barr School, Stone School, and Indiana School. Of particular interest to local historians are the sprawling grounds of the East Moline State Hospital and the early aviation footprint of Miller Landing Field near Carbon Cliff.