1951 Map of Columbia Bottom

About this map

The confluence of the Missouri River and Mississippi River dominates this landscape, where the shifting waters have carved a complex system of islands and sloughs such as Cora Island and Ellis Island. On the Missouri side, the suburban expansion of Spanish Lake and Glasgow Village is captured during a period of significant growth, with new residential plats appearing in purple revision. Historic infrastructure, including the Lewis Bridge and the Intake Tower near the Chain of Rocks, highlights the region's importance as a transportation and utility hub. Cultural landmarks like Fort Bellefontaine and the Villa Gesu Convent stand alongside local institutions such as Twillman Sch and the St Louis State Training School. The map also preserves traces of older rural life, documenting the Madison Ferry Road and several small burial grounds like Bailey Cem and Espedeza Cem that predate the mid-century housing boom.