Introduction

The Vespucci Map Library at State University of Illinois, located in Collegetown, Illinois, was created when the University's library received a grant to develop and preserve a collection of maps related to the history of Illinois. It is envisioned that the collection will serve students and faculty and the local community, as well as historical researchers from outside the college.

The Map Library focuses on maps that are specific to the state of Illinois, including historical property maps, coal mine maps, Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, maps of battle fields, Native American villages, pioneer settlements, township and county boundaries, subdivisions, cemeteries, parks, as well as transportation ways such as city and rural streets, railroads, streetcar and subway routes, highways, roads, physical characteristics of development, and property.


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