Loading map...

1957 Map of Urbana

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Urbana
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

Champaign and Urbana serve as the dense urban core of this mid-century survey, revealing a landscape transitioning from a concentrated academic and civic hub to expanding residential blocks. The University of Illinois influence is evident through landmarks like the Armory, University High School, and several radio installations including Radio Towers (WILL). Beyond the city grid, the terrain shifts toward the agricultural expanse of Yankee Ridge, where small rural anchors like Mira and School No 4 (Abandoned) appear alongside the drainage of the Embarrass River.

Transport networks define the region's economy, with the Illinois Central, New York Central, and Central Terminal lines converging in the north. To the south, the village of Philo sits near the Wabash railroad, surrounded by family-named landmarks and cemeteries such as Mt Hope Cemetery and Calvary Cem. This map records the late 1950s infrastructure before major highway expansions significantly altered the outskirts of these twin cities.