Join Free

1940s Maps of Tacoma, Washington

Explore 9 historic maps of Tacoma 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 Tacoma'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 Tacoma's history through authentic maps from the 1940s. This is your window into the past.

Tacoma, WA maps

(9)
  1. 1940 Map of Anderson Island
    1940 Map of Anderson Island
    1940 Anderson Island
    1940 Print · USGS
    Coastal Washington at the start of the 1940s shows a landscape of strategic military installations and island prisons. You can trace the development of Fort Lewis, the boundaries of the Nisqually Indian Reservation, and the layout of the Federal Penitentiary on McNeil Island.
  4. 1941 Map of Tacoma South, 1958 Print
    1941 Map of Tacoma South, 1958 Print
    1941 Tacoma South
    1958 Print · USGS
    The Puyallup Valley and southern Tacoma outskirts appear here in the early 1940s, just as the region’s rail and military infrastructure reached peak complexity. Genealogists can trace early homesteads and pioneer landmarks like the Site of Old Camp Montgomery and the Mary Mount Military Academy.
  7. 1942 Map of Gig Harbor, 1954 Print
    1942 Map of Gig Harbor, 1954 Print
    1942 Gig Harbor
    1954 Print · USGS
    The Kitsap Peninsula and surrounding islands are mapped here during the early 1940s, highlighting a maritime world of inlets and ferries. Trace old family sites and rural landmarks like Elgin Sch, Lisabeula, and the many landings along Henderson Bay.
  10. 1943 Map of Gig Harbor
    1943 Map of Gig Harbor
    1943 Gig Harbor
    1943 Print · USGS
    The Puget Sound shoreline and its peninsulas are captured here in the 1940s as a maritime network of small landings and inland schools. Genealogists can trace family footprints at Sunny Slope Sch, Lisabeula, and the many homesteads near Artondale.
  13. 1944 Map of Tacoma South
    1944 Map of Tacoma South
    1944 Tacoma South
    1944 Print · USGS
    Pierce County during the war years shows a landscape of growing towns and deep-rooted history between the river valleys and the prairie. Genealogists and historians can trace family roots through numerous country schools like Kirby Sch or locate 19th-century frontier outposts like the Site of Old Camp Montgomery (1854).
  16. 1948 Map of Anderson Island, 1955 Print
    1948 Map of Anderson Island, 1955 Print
    1948 Anderson Island
    1955 Print · USGS
    The South Sound shoreline and its island communities are captured here just after the war as military and suburban footprints expanded. Genealogists and researchers can trace local landmarks from McNeil Island to the Visitation Academy and the rail stops at Nisqually Station.
  19. 1948 Map of Steilacoom, 1955 Print
    1948 Map of Steilacoom, 1955 Print
    1948 Steilacoom
    1955 Print · USGS
    The Puget Sound shoreline and its inland lakes are captured here during a period of rapid mid-century growth. Genealogists and historians can locate family plots at New Tacoma Cemetery or trace the early footprint of Fort Lewis Military Reservation and Lakewood Center.
  22. 1949 Map of Tacoma North, 1956 Print
    1949 Map of Tacoma North, 1956 Print
    1949 Tacoma North
    1956 Print · USGS
    Tacoma and its deep-water terminals appear at their industrial peak just after the war, showing the busy waterways of Commencement Bay. Researchers can trace the legacy of the Port of Tacoma, the grounds of the College of Puget Sound, and the early layout of Dash Point.
  25. 1949 Map of Poverty Bay, 1956 Print
    1949 Map of Poverty Bay, 1956 Print
    1949 Poverty Bay
    1956 Print · USGS
    The Puget Sound shoreline and the emerging Federal Way corridor are captured here during the late 1940s. Genealogists and local historians can trace early neighborhood footprints from Woodmont Beach to Madrona Heights and locate landmarks like Evergreen Airfield and Steel Lake Ch.
End of results
Showing maps 1-9 of 9

Top cities near Tacoma

See more

Top neighborhoods of Tacoma

See more

Frequently asked questions

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