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1963 Map of West Frankfort

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of West Frankfort
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1978
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1978

About this map

The industrial and residential growth of southern Illinois coal country is visible in this landscape anchored by Benton and West Frankfort. The map reveals a dense network of local infrastructure, including several Air Shaft locations and the Frankfort Oil Field, illustrating the area's reliance on mineral extraction. Educational and religious centers like Hill City Sch, Washington Sch, and Bethel Ch are scattered among the townships of Browning, Denning, and Frankfort.

Water management and transportation define the terrain, with the Middle Fork Big Muddy River and Ewing Creek winding through the region. The map documents the expansion of West City and the smaller settlements of Pershing and Orient. Cultural landmarks of the mid-century era, such as the Drive-in Theater and the Masonic-Oddfellow Cemetery, provide specific points of interest for genealogists and local historians tracing the development of Franklin County.