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1970s Maps of Des Moines, Iowa

Explore 4 historic maps of Des Moines from the 1970s. These maps offer a rare glimpse into what life looked like during the 1970s — 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 Des Moines's landscape evolved across the 1970s, 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 1970s, 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 Des Moines's history through authentic maps from the 1970s. This is your window into the past.

Des Moines, IA maps

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  1. 1972 Map of Altoona, 1974 Print
    1972 Map of Altoona, 1974 Print
    1972 Altoona
    1974 Print · USGS
    Polk County enters a decade of modern growth and infrastructure expansion in the early seventies. Genealogists and local researchers can trace the rail lines of the Chicago and North Western or locate family plots at Altoona Cem and Franklin Cem.
    2 unique versions available
  4. 1972 Map of Scotch Ridge, 1974 Print
    1972 Map of Scotch Ridge, 1974 Print
    1972 Scotch Ridge
    1974 Print · USGS
    Warren County terrain in the early seventies shows a landscape shaped by the Middle River and the regional rail network. Genealogists and local historians can locate the Laverty Cem, North River Ch, and the community of Summerset along the railroad line.
  7. 1972 Map of Rising Sun, 1974 Print
    1972 Map of Rising Sun, 1974 Print
    1972 Rising Sun
    1974 Print · USGS
    Southeast of Des Moines in the early seventies, the river landscape around Carlisle and Rising Sun shows a blend of rural township life and growing suburban tracts. Researchers can trace the heritage of local families at Powers-Warren Cem and locate old rail corridors like the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.
  10. 1972 Map of Norwalk, 1975 Print
    1972 Map of Norwalk, 1975 Print
    1972 Norwalk
    1975 Print · USGS
    Norwalk and the northern Warren County countryside are shown here in the early 1970s as suburban growth began to meet rural farmland. Local researchers can trace family roots at Linn Grove Cemetery or locate old rail stops along the Chicago and North Western Railroad near Martensdale.
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Frequently asked questions

  • What are the different types of historical maps available for Des Moines?
  • What is the oldest map of Des Moines?
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  • Are there historical topographic maps available for Des Moines?
  • Is there historical aerial imagery available for Des Moines?
  • Where are historical maps of Des Moines sourced from?