Estelle M. Wheeler’s thesis’ “The Geography of Peoria”
Submitted to the faculty of Miami University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts.

Table of Contents includes:
Chapter One;
Evaluation of Advantages for City Development
Chapter Two;
Evolution of the region to commercial leadership
Chapter Three;
Industrial Growth in the Metropolitan Area
Chapter Four;
Interpretation of the Modern Cultural Landscape
Chapter Five;
Summary of Peoria’s Economic Importance

Illustrations include;
Locational Guide of Illinois.
Plate 1, Topographic Map of the Peoria Quadrangle.
Formation of Lake Peoria.
Cross-Section of the Illinois River Valley at Peoria.
Plate 2, Roosevelt Junior High School – A Transition Area.
Outcropping Rocks in Peoria County.
Plate 3, Coal-Vein Exposure at Farmington.
Annual Precipitation and Average Temperatures 1856-1946.
Average Monthly Precipitation and Monthly Mean Temperature, 1856-1946.
Plate 4, Topography of Peoria from the Air.
Early Peoria Settlements along the Illinois River.
Plate 5, Peoria in 1846.
Routes of Immigration to Illinois.
Distribution of Prairie and Woodland in Illinois about 1800.
Population Distribution in Illinois, 1820.
Population Distribution in Illinois, 1840.
Population Distribution in Illinois, 1860.
Rival Towns along the Illinois River, 1828-1838.
Plate 6, U.S. Engineer Boatyard.
Plate 7, Barge Tow in the Illinois Waterway at Peoria.
The Peoria Gateway.
System Map of Peoria Railways.
Plate 8, Switching Facilities.
Roads in Illinois is 1832.
Highways Radiating from Peoria in 1946.
Plate 9, Harman Highway.
Plate 10, Municipal Airfield and Environs.
Peoria and United States Airways.
Air World Centered on Peoria.
Plate 11, A Rich Agricultural Base.
Plate 12, Northern Regional Research Laboratory.
Industrial Interests of Peoria.
Plate 13, Industry and Commerce Complement Each Other in the Peoria Area.
Locational Guide of Peoria.
Population Distribution.
Plate 14, Caterpillar Tractor Company.
Plate 15, Central Illinois Light Company.
Plate 16, Greater Peoria Sanitary and Sewage Disposal District.
Plate 17, Recorder and Observation Wells.
Plate 18, Business Corner.
Metropolitan Shopping District.
Plate 19, Crossing Illinois River at Cedar Street Bridge.
Illinois River Commercial Facilities.
Plate 20, Illinois River from the Air.
Plan of the Town of Peoria, 1844.
Plate 21, Cutlying Commercial Center, McClure and Knoxville.
Cases of Juvenile Delinquency.
Cases of Public Assistance.
Cases of Pulmonary Toll.
Owner Occupancy.
Plate 22, Warner Housing Authority.
Plate 23, A Small Home Section.
Plate 24, Spacious Homes.
Plate 25, Peoria in 1947.
Land-Utilization Map, folded in pocket of back cover of book.