Published in 1948 from topographic work created in 1928, the United States Geological Survey’s “Highland Park” map captures a refined portrait of Chicago’s North Shore before the full force of postwar suburban expansion reshaped the landscape. At 1:24,000 scale, it presents Highland Park, Glencoe, and neighboring portions of Northbrook and Deerfield with the disciplined clarity for which USGS quadrangles are prized. The title itself is elegantly direct, naming one of the region’s most distinguished lakefront communities, while the map’s content reaches beyond municipal identity to reveal a layered terrain of streets, rail lines, parks, ravines, lagoons, and the long, defining edge of Lake Michigan.

The United States Geological Survey, founded in 1879, brought scientific rigor and national ambition to the mapping of American landforms, resources, and settlements. By the early twentieth century, its topographic sheets had become indispensable records of how towns, transportation corridors, waterways, and elevations related to one another. This “Highland Park” sheet reflects that institutional precision: contour lines, road classifications, railroads, water features, and civic patterns are organized into a calm, legible composition. The map is not merely descriptive; it is analytical, offering a measured view of a landscape in transition, where old natural contours and emerging suburban grids coexist in finely balanced detail.

The shoreline of Lake Michigan gives the map much of its drama. Along the eastern edge, the lake forms a broad natural boundary, while the land rises and falls in subtle but important variations captured by intricate contour lines. These elevations evoke the bluffs, shallow ravines, and rolling ground that characterize the North Shore, distinguishing it from the flatter inland suburbs to the west. Highland Park and Glencoe appear not simply as collections of streets, but as communities shaped by proximity to water, terrain, and access. Lagoons, parklands, and smaller water bodies add texture to the sheet, enriching its sense of place.

The map is especially compelling as a document of development before later waves of urbanization filled in much of the surrounding area. Residential blocks are carefully delineated, yet the presence of parks, open land, trails, and less densely arranged roadways suggests a landscape still negotiating between estate suburb, commuter town, and natural preserve. Railroads occupy a prominent role, reflecting the importance of rail connectivity in the growth of Highland Park and Glencoe as desirable communities linked to Chicago. Streets such as Lincoln Avenue and the mapped park areas help anchor the viewer in a recognizable yet historically distinct version of the region.

Cartographically, the sheet exemplifies the understated beauty of USGS topographic design: a clean composition, restrained color palette, and dense but orderly information. Its contour lines lend the map a sculptural quality, allowing the viewer to read elevation almost as texture, while the shoreline, road network, rail corridors, and parklands provide a composed visual rhythm. For those interested in Illinois history, urban geography, or the evolution of the North Shore, “Highland Park” offers a fascinating snapshot of land use, natural form, and civic growth. It is both a scientific document and an evocative historical landscape, preserving the geography of a celebrated lakefront suburb at a pivotal moment.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Highland Park
• Glencoe
• Lake Michigan
• Northbrook
• Deerfield
• Lincoln Avenue
• Parkland Nature Area
• Many residential streets and blocks
• Railroads
• Various parks
• Several water bodies and lagoons
• Some roadways and trails

Historical context & cartographic details

• Historical 1:24,000 topographical map of Highland Park, Glencoe, and the surrounding area in Illinois.
• Created in 1928 and published with a 1948 imprint.
• Produced by the United States Geological Survey, also known as the USGS.
• The USGS, established in 1879, is known for reliable scientific mapping and data about the nation’s land and natural resources.
• Features a clean, detailed USGS topographical style with a light color palette for readability.
• Uses contour lines to show elevation changes and the varied terrain along Lake Michigan.
• Emphasizes the shoreline, surrounding hills, water features, roads, railroads, and developed areas.
• Offers insight into the area’s development before later urbanization, making it useful for comparison with present-day land use and topography.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed 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.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every 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.

With 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 rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.