Loading map...

1948 Map of Sterling

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Sterling
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1948
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1948

About this map

The Rock River dominates this mid-century landscape, providing a geographical anchor for the twin industrial hubs of Sterling and Rock Falls. In the years following World War II, the area exhibits a dense network of rural infrastructure, with small crossroads such as Penrose and Prairieville serving the surrounding agricultural townships. The transportation framework is clearly defined by the Chicago and Northwestern and the Chicago Burlington and Quincy railroads, which facilitated the movement of goods through the Rock River Valley.

Local education and community life are well-documented through a high concentration of country schools and churches. Notable rural landmarks include East Science Sch, West Science Ridge Ch, and the Plum Hollow Golf Course near the Ogle County line. For genealogists, the map preserves the exact locations of numerous burial grounds like Zion Cem and Nelson Cem, alongside smaller rural points such as Hazelhurst and Woosung.