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1949 Map of Des Moines

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Des Moines
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1995
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1995

About this map

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport sits at the heart of this mid-century survey, surrounded by the rapidly developing suburban landscape of south King County. The map details a transition from the saltwater shores of Puget Sound to the industrial and residential corridors of Tukwila and Kent. Established community centers like Burien and Des Moines are shown with their networks of local schools and churches, including St Bernadette Sch and Highline High Sch.

Cultural and social landmarks of the era are well-represented, from the Masonic Home of Washington in Zenith to the Rainier Golf and Country Club near Beverly Park. The topography reveals the inland drainage patterns of Miller Creek and Des Moines Creek alongside specialized infrastructure like the Nat Guard Armory and the Southcenter Mall, providing a clear record of the post-war expansion and recreational development at Saltwater State Park.