1954 Map of Wilmington

About this map

The Kankakee River carves a winding path through the heart of this landscape, separating the industrial coal fields to the south from the protected wetlands of the Des Plaines Wildlife Conservation Area. In Wilmington, the concentration of civic life is evident through a dense cluster of schools and landmarks, including the Soldiers Widows Home and St Rose Sch. This 1950s survey captures a community defined by both heavy industry and agricultural roots, with extensive Strip Mine operations sprawling across the southwest near Braidwood and Diamond. The presence of numerous distinct burial grounds, such as Mt Olive Cem, Bohemian Cem, and Oak Lawn Cem, provides a detailed record for genealogical research. Transportation is anchored by the Gulf Mobile and Ohio and the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroads, which served the coal and freight needs of the region during this mid-century period.