{"product_id":"old-map-of-oak-park-illinois-by-usgs-1928-river-forest-forest-park-brookfield-zoo","title":"Old Map of Oak Park, Illinois by USGS, 1928 – River Forest, Forest Park \u0026 Brookfield Zoo","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished in 1928 by the U.S. Geological Survey, “River Forest” presents Oak Park, River Forest, and their western Chicago surroundings at the revealing 1:24,000 topographic scale. It is a portrait of a metropolitan edge at a decisive moment: suburban streets had been laid out with confidence, rail and road corridors were binding communities to Chicago, and yet the Desplaines River, parklands, and subtle contours still shaped the character of the landscape. The USGS’s disciplined cartographic language gives the sheet both scientific authority and period charm, using contour lines, waterways, roads, and built-up areas to show how settlement fitted itself around terrain, transportation, and civic planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOak Park and River Forest occupy the heart of the map, their gridded residential blocks rendered with the clarity that made USGS quadrangles indispensable to engineers, planners, and public agencies. In 1928, Oak Park was already a celebrated suburb, associated with progressive domestic architecture and a dense fabric of streets, schools, churches, and parks. River Forest, immediately to the west, appears as a more spacious but equally ordered community, its urban form shaped by broad avenues and proximity to the Desplaines River corridor. Together they reveal the evolution of Chicago’s inner suburbs: not rural villages, but carefully organized commuter landscapes where residential growth, transport access, and civic amenities had become closely intertwined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe map’s design is at once practical and elegant. Roads are emphasized with solid red lines, allowing major routes such as Harlem Avenue, Madison Street, Division Street, Cicero Avenue, and La Grange Road to stand out within the intricacy of local streets. The topographic contours quietly describe a landscape of modest relief, while blue waterways trace the natural drainage that predates the suburban grid. Populated areas, open spaces, and transport lines are distinguished through the USGS’s restrained color system, producing a composition that is legible, balanced, and rich in information. This combination of precision and visual economy is characteristic of American topographic mapping in the interwar period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond Oak Park and River Forest, the sheet reaches into neighboring communities and landmarks that anchor the western side of Chicago. Elmwood Park, Norwood Park, Melrose Park, Forest Park, and Riverside appear within a broader suburban mosaic, each tied to the region’s expanding road network. The Desplaines River provides one of the strongest natural features, bending through the mapped area and shaping adjacent parklands and low-lying ground. Brookfield Zoo and Riverside Park add further historical interest, reflecting the era’s emphasis on public recreation, landscaped environments, and access to open space. These features make the map not only a survey of terrain, but also a record of civic aspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a historical document, “River Forest” captures a landscape in transition between the older geography of rivers, roads, and village centers and the modern pattern of dense suburban development. Many blocks, parks, institutions, and corridors shown here have since been altered, expanded, renamed, or absorbed into the continuous fabric of metropolitan Chicago. The map invites comparison between past and present: where open land has disappeared, where streets remain unchanged, and where natural features continue to exert influence beneath the built environment. For collectors drawn to urban history, American planning, or the Chicago region, it offers a finely detailed glimpse of 1928 life on the city’s western threshold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOak Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRiver Forest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNorwood Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElmwood Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesplaines River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLa Grange Road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHarlem Avenue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDivision Street\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMadison Street\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMelrose Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCicero Avenue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForest Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrookfield Zoo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRiverside Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumerous residential blocks and streets within Oak Park and River Forest areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePublished by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced in 1928\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:24,000 scale topographical map\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrates Oak Park, Illinois, and its surroundings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe USGS is known for comprehensive geographic information and topographic maps used in land management, urban planning, and environmental studies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses a distinct color scheme to show topographic features, including contours, waterways, and populated areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoads are shown with solid red lines for a clear functional layout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElevation and terrain are represented through contour lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighlights nearby waterways and small hills, reflecting the area’s natural landscape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides a snapshot of the area in 1928, showing how urban development and infrastructure have changed over time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome buildings and parks shown on the map may no longer exist or may have been altered in appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/de\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/de\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/de\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/de\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764953354624,"sku":null,"price":41.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764953387392,"sku":null,"price":112.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764953420160,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764953452928,"sku":null,"price":41.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764953485696,"sku":null,"price":112.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764953518464,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764953551232,"sku":null,"price":67.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764953584000,"sku":null,"price":150.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764953616768,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764953649536,"sku":null,"price":78.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764953682304,"sku":null,"price":171.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764953715072,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764953747840,"sku":null,"price":89.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764953780608,"sku":null,"price":257.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764953813376,"sku":null,"price":289.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764953846144,"sku":null,"price":78.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764953878912,"sku":null,"price":171.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764953911680,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764953944448,"sku":null,"price":94.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764953977216,"sku":null,"price":257.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764954009984,"sku":null,"price":289.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764954042752,"sku":null,"price":94.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764954075520,"sku":null,"price":257.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764954108288,"sku":null,"price":289.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764954141056,"sku":null,"price":123.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764954173824,"sku":null,"price":354.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764954206592,"sku":null,"price":354.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764954239360,"sku":null,"price":123.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764954272128,"sku":null,"price":354.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764954304896,"sku":null,"price":354.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764954337664,"sku":null,"price":177.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764954370432,"sku":null,"price":820.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764954403200,"sku":null,"price":772.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764954435968,"sku":null,"price":268.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764954468736,"sku":null,"price":998.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764954501504,"sku":null,"price":938.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764954534272,"sku":null,"price":327.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764954567040,"sku":null,"price":1502.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764954599808,"sku":null,"price":1395.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58764954632576,"sku":null,"price":606.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58764954665344,"sku":null,"price":2119.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58764954698112,"sku":null,"price":2012.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_fa5e0be9-2f21-4146-90ff-4f9f404c76c3.jpg?v=1787586758","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.eu\/de\/products\/old-map-of-oak-park-illinois-by-usgs-1928-river-forest-forest-park-brookfield-zoo","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}