Encyclopedia o f Chicago
Historical Source
Historical Source
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Detail of Watson's New Township and Sectional Map of Illinois, 1871

Detail of Watson's New Township and Sectional Map of Illinois, 1871
In 1850 Illinois permitted counties to create townships, subsidiary governments that together cover the full area of the county. Townships have had responsibility for local roads, poor relief, and other services, and their boundaries have often been the basis for establishing high school districts.