1954 Map of Wilmington

About this map

The Kankakee River winds through this mid-century landscape, anchoring a region defined by industrial extraction and rail transport. Massive Strip Mine operations and numerous Mine Dumps dominate the terrain west of Wilmington, particularly around the rail-side settlements of Braidwood and Diamond. The heavy industrial footprint is balanced by significant institutional and conservation landmarks, such as the Soldiers Widows Home and the Des Plaines Wildlife Conservation Area in the northwest. Local genealogical data is abundant across several townships, including the Olive Cem, Bohemian Cem, and Oak Lawn Cem, alongside rural education sites like the Johnson Sch. The intricate rail network of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe and the Gulf Mobile and Ohio railroads highlights the area's role as a transit hub between the coalfields and the Chicago region.