1953 Map of Duluth

About this map

Lake Superior dominates the eastern edge of this mid-century portrait of Duluth, where the city’s complex infrastructure meets the steep North Shore topography. The map illustrates the intensive development of the harbor, from the Ship Canal and Duluth Harbor Basin to the sprawling rail yards of the Duluth Missabe and Iron Range. Moving inland from the waterfront, the residential fabric is punctuated by institutional landmarks such as St Scholastica College and the University of Minnesota Duluth Branch. The density of the city's early social infrastructure is evident in the numerous parochial and public schools, including Central High Sch and St Michaels Sch. Neighborhoods like Lester Park and Woodland show the upward expansion of the city away from the lake, while Minnesota Point stretches thin into the bay, hosting the Naval Reserve Sta and Lafayette Park.