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1940s Maps of Seattle, Washington

Explore 7 historic maps of Seattle from the 1940s. These maps offer a rare glimpse into what life looked like during the 1940s — 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 Seattle's landscape evolved across the 1940s, 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 1940s, 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 Seattle's history through authentic maps from the 1940s. This is your window into the past.

Seattle, WA maps

(7)
  1. 1949 Map of Shilshole Bay, 1954 Print
    1949 Map of Shilshole Bay, 1954 Print
    1949 Shilshole Bay
    1954 Print · USGS
    Seattle's northwestern waterfront is captured in the mid-century as neighborhoods like Ballard and Loyal Heights expand near the industrial shore. Trace the rail lines of the Great Northern and find historic sites like Fort Lawton and West Point Light.
    4 unique versions available
  4. 1949 Map of Renton, 1956 Print
    1949 Map of Renton, 1956 Print
    1949 Renton
    1956 Print · USGS
    Renton and the Green River Valley are seen here in the late 1940s at the height of their rail-and-river industrial era. Researchers can trace the massive rail networks of the Union Pacific, locate the Longacres Race Track, or find family plots at Greenwood Cem.
    5 unique versions available
  7. 1949 Map of Duwamish Head, 1956 Print
    1949 Map of Duwamish Head, 1956 Print
    1949 Duwamish Head
    1956 Print · USGS
    The Seattle waterfront and Puget Sound islands are captured here in the years following World War II, when ferries were the lifeblood of the sound. Genealogists and local historians can trace the development of West Seattle, Fauntleroy, and Vashon Heights alongside landmarks like Lafayette Sch and the Laurel Beach Sanatorium.
    3 unique versions available
  10. 1949 Map of Seattle North, 1956 Print
    1949 Map of Seattle North, 1956 Print
    1949 Seattle North
    1956 Print · USGS
    Mid-century Seattle is captured here as the city's northern neighborhoods and shorelines entered an era of rapid postwar development. Genealogists and historians can trace the early layouts of Greenwood, Lake City, and Laurelhurst, while locating landmarks like the U S Naval Air Station and St Edwards Seminary.
    3 unique versions available
  13. 1949 Map of Des Moines, 1956 Print
    1949 Map of Des Moines, 1956 Print
    1949 Des Moines
    1956 Print · USGS
    Post-war King County comes to life as aviation and industry reshape the landscape between the Sound and the river valleys. Trace the early layout of Seattle Tacoma Airport alongside community landmarks like Covenant Beach Camp and Highline High Sch.
    6 unique versions available
  16. 1949 Map of Vashon, 1956 Print
    1949 Map of Vashon, 1956 Print
    1949 Vashon
    1956 Print · USGS
    Vashon and Maury Islands are captured here in the late 1940s, showing a landscape defined by waterfront settlements and maritime life. Genealogists can trace family locations in small communities like Burton, Ellisport, and Sylvan Beach, or find local landmarks such as Vashon Sch and the KOMO Radio Towers.
    4 unique versions available
  19. 1949 Map of Seattle South, 1956 Print
    1949 Map of Seattle South, 1956 Print
    1949 Seattle South
    1956 Print · USGS
    Mid-century Seattle is captured here as a bustling industrial and maritime hub just after the war years. Local historians can trace the rail lines of the Northern Pacific, the early layout of Boeing Field, and community anchors like Sicks Stadium and Yesler Terrace.
    3 unique versions available
End of results
Showing maps 1-7 of 7

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Frequently asked questions

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