1951 Map of Columbia Bottom

About this map

The confluence of the Mississippi River and the Missouri River dominates this mid-century survey, revealing a landscape defined by both natural watercourses and the northward expansion of ST Louis. The map illustrates the transition from the agricultural floodplains of Columbia Bottom and Portage Des Sioux to the post-war suburban growth in Bellefontaine Neighbors and Glasgow Village. Critical infrastructure of the era is evident, including the Chain Of Rocks Bridge and the heavy rail lines of the Chicago Burlington and Quincy railroad crossing the Lewis Bridge.