Loading map...

1955 Map of Wood River

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Wood River
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

Industrial expansion and river management define this landscape along the Mississippi River near the confluence of the Missouri. Massive infrastructure like the Oil Refinery at Hartford and the sprawling rail yards of the Illinois Terminal dominate the American Bottom floodplain. The map documents the mid-century transition of the region, showing the early footprint of the Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville Campus) and the development of the Cahokia Diversion Channel to control the erratic waters of Cahokia Creek.

Smaller farming communities and rural landmarks persist despite the encroaching industry, with local history preserved at Wanda Cem and Sanders Cem. Educational roots are visible through scattered country schoolhouses like Bohm Sch and Brockmeier Sch. Along the riverbanks, the Lewis and Clark State Memorial Park marks a significant historical point of departure, while the Chain of Rocks Canal serves as a vital artery for mid-continent commerce.