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1956 Map of Des Moines SW, 1958 Print
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1956 Map of Des Moines SW

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

The confluence of the Raccoon River and the Des Moines River anchors this 1950s study of Iowa's capital city and its rapidly expanding western suburbs. The map captures a critical period of growth for West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, and Clive, where the grid of residential development meets established institutions like Drake University and Waveland Park. A distinct rail-centric industrial landscape is visible, defined by the heavy presence of the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific and the Chicago Great Western railroads. Beyond the urban core, the transition to rural Polk and Warren counties is marked by sites like the Plainview Sch (Abandoned) and Walnut Woods State Park. The southern portion of the sheet is dominated by the sprawling Des Moines Municipal Airport, emphasizing the city's role as a regional transportation hub during the mid-century era.

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Map Details

Date Portrayed1956
Date Published1958
PublisherU.S. Geological Survey
Map TypeTopographic
Scale1:24,000
Physical Dimensions22.1 x 27 inches

Editions of this 1956 Des Moines SW Map

Historical Maps of Des Moines Through Time

36 maps found

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Source Details

SourceU.S. Geological Survey
CopyrightPublic Domain