1956 Map of Bloomington

About this map

Bloomington serves as the focal point for this mid-century Indiana study, showing a community defined by its university surroundings and heavy industrial roots. The landscape is marked by numerous Quarry sites concentrated in the limestone-rich corridor between the city and Ellettsville. Transportation is anchored by the Monon and Illinois Central Railroad, which crisscross the terrain to service these industrial hubs. Cultural and civic life is represented through a dense network of neighborhood schools like Fairview Sch and Rogers Sch, alongside community spaces like the County Fairgrounds and Bryan Park. To the north and west, the terrain becomes more rural, punctuated by family cemeteries such as Armstrong Cem and Wampler Cem. The mapping of Griffy Reservoir and University Lake highlights the infrastructure required for the growing town, while Camp Wapehani and various radio towers on the city's periphery signal the mid-century expansion into Perry and Van Buren townships.