1954 Map of Bloomington

About this map

The Minnesota River corridor defines this mid-century landscape, acting as a natural boundary between the expanding northern suburbs and the more industrial and rural southern reaches. In Bloomington and Richfield, residential development is shown in red-tinted clusters, punctuated by numerous local institutions like St Richard Sch and Nativity Sch. The river valley itself remains dominated by water and industry, featuring Black Dog Lake and the significant transit hub at Port Cargill. Transport networks are central to the area's layout, with the Minneapolis Northfield and Southern and the Chicago and North Western railroads facilitating the movement of goods through Savage and toward the growing metropolitan centers. Cultural landmarks of the 1950s are evident, ranging from the Auto Club and Minnesota Valley Country Club to the Sandpit Ski Lift in the southern hills.