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1954 Map of Wheaton

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Wheaton
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

Wheaton and Glen Ellyn serve as the central anchors of this mid-century portrait of DuPage County, illustrating a landscape in rapid transition. The density of educational and religious institutions is striking, from Wheaton College and Maryknoll Seminary to the campus of St Procopius College. The expansive Morton Arboretum preserves a significant green space amidst the burgeoning residential areas of Lisle and Downers Grove.

Transportation infrastructure defines the region's development, with the Chicago and North Western and Chicago Aurora and Elgin railroads facilitating suburban growth. Beyond the towns, the presence of specialized sites like the Winfield Sanitarium, Zace Sanitarium, and the Illinois Pet Cem reflects the diverse land use of the era. To the north, older rural centers like Wayne Center and Bloomingdale remain distinct before the full sweep of modern suburbanization, while Lombard Airport and Mitchell Field mark the early aviation footprint of the Chicago suburbs.