Crab Orchard Lake was formed by bottling up Crab Orchard Creek and 22,000 acres were purchased by the U.S. Government starting in 1936 as part of a W.P.A. project. As the new lake was filling up with water in 1940, it had already been decided to establish a military reservation in the form of the Illinois Ordnance Plant or Ordill. Many of the properties were purchased in 1940 and 1941.

The following list indicates the properties that were purchased in conjunction with Ordill. Since the buildings on the properties were irrelevant to the government, most were either moved or destroyed. If you recognize a name on this list, note the number associated with it and then look for that number on the attached map.

If you can find the number on the attached map, take note of the county township and section number in which it was located. You can then find that section on a 1940 Williamson County Plat Maps to confirm the ownership and exact location of the property.

The terms following the names have the following meanings; “et al” means “and others” and “et ux” means “and spouse” which meant joint tenancy was  implied.

(Note: The attached image was purposely left large in order to zoom into detail, allow time to load.)

Ordnance Plant Acquisitions

 

Authorization dated 4 August 1941

Real Estate, Illinois Ordnance Plant, Military Reservation

      22,432.14 Acres, 8 August 1946

Transportation Facilities

      Railroads – CB &Q, IC, C &EI         State Roads –13 and 37

Acquisition

      Total Acres acquired –————22,481.90 Acres

      Acres in Fee—————————-12,359.83

      Acres transferred to War Dept. –10,122.07

      Acres under easement   (1) no area

      Total acres disposed of ———— 22,432.14

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