1909 Map of Tallula

About this map

The Sangamon River meanders through the northeast corner of this central Illinois landscape, where it passes the grounds of Old Salem Chautauqua and New Salem State Park. The terrain is defined by a series of significant tributaries, including Rock Creek, Richland Creek, and Prairie Creek, which carve deep valleys into the surrounding prairie. This area, spanning portions of Menard, Sangamon, and Morgan counties, reveals a robust agricultural and transport network established by the mid-1940s. Four major rail lines, including the Chicago and Alton and the Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern, intersect the region, facilitating growth in settlements like Tallula and Pleasant Plains. The map identifies local landmarks such as Hilltop and Riddle Hill, alongside smaller community centers like Farmingdale and Berlin, providing a clear view of the rural township structure before mid-century modernization altered the smaller village footprints.