1950s Maps of Polk County, Iowa

Explore 8 historic maps of Polk County from the 1950s. These maps offer a rare glimpse into what life looked like during the 1950s — showing old roads, neighborhoods, homes, and landmarks that have changed or disappeared over time.

Whether you're researching your family's past, planning a metal detecting trip, or studying how Polk County's landscape evolved across the 1950s, these high-resolution maps are a powerful tool for exploring the history of this region.

  • Focus on a specific era: All maps on this page are from the 1950s, giving you a focused view of this time period.
  • See what’s changed: Compare century-old streets, trails, and buildings to today's modern landscape using overlays and satellite layers.
  • Research with precision: Use these maps for genealogy, historical research, land use analysis, or educational projects.
  • View, download, or print: Maps are fully viewable online in high resolution, and can be downloaded or printed for your own records.

Start exploring Polk County's history through authentic maps from the 1950s. This is your window into the past.


Polk County, IA maps

(8)
  1. 1954 Map of Des Moines, 1973 Print
    1954 Map of Des Moines, 1973 Print
    1954 Des Moines
    1973 Print · USGS
    Covers Polk County, including Des Moines, West Des Moines, and other nearby areas
    2 unique versions available

  2. 1956 Map of Des Moines
    1956 Map of Des Moines
    1956 Des Moines
    1956 Print · USGS
    Covers Polk County, including Des Moines, West Des Moines, and other nearby areas

  3. 1956 Map of Des Moines NW, 1958 Print
    1956 Map of Des Moines NW, 1958 Print
    1956 Des Moines NW
    1958 Print · USGS
    Covers Polk County, including Des Moines, Ankeny, and other nearby areas
    5 unique versions available

  4. 1956 Map of Des Moines SW, 1958 Print
    1956 Map of Des Moines SW, 1958 Print
    1956 Des Moines SW
    1958 Print · USGS
    Covers Polk County, including Des Moines, West Des Moines, and other nearby areas
    4 unique versions available

  5. 1956 Map of Des Moines SE, 1958 Print
    1956 Map of Des Moines SE, 1958 Print
    1956 Des Moines SE
    1958 Print · USGS
    Covers Polk County, including Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, and other nearby areas
    4 unique versions available

  6. 1956 Map of Des Moines NE, 1958 Print
    1956 Map of Des Moines NE, 1958 Print
    1956 Des Moines NE
    1958 Print · USGS
    Covers Polk County, including Des Moines, Ankeny, and other nearby areas
    4 unique versions available

  7. 1956 Map of Des Moines, 1959 Print
    1956 Map of Des Moines, 1959 Print
    1956 Des Moines
    1959 Print · USGS
    Covers Polk County, including Des Moines, West Des Moines, and other nearby areas

  8. 1957 Map of Des Moines
    1957 Map of Des Moines
    1957 Des Moines
    1957 Print · USGS
    Covers Polk County, including Des Moines, West Des Moines, and other nearby areas

End of results
Showing maps 1-8 of 8

Top cities of Polk County

See more

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the different types of historical maps available for Polk County?
  • What is the oldest map of Polk County?
  • Where can I purchase historical maps of Polk County for my home or office?
  • Where can I download high-res historical maps of Polk County?
  • Are there historical topographic maps available for Polk County?
  • Is there historical aerial imagery available for Polk County?
  • Where are historical maps of Polk County sourced from?