1959 Map of Indianapolis West

About this map

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the expansive grounds of Crown Hill Cemetery anchor this mid-century portrait of the city's west side. During this era of post-war expansion, the urban fabric of Indianapolis pushes outward into residential enclaves like Broadmoor, Knollton Heights, and Eagledale. The White River winds through the center of the sheet, flanked by numerous recreational and institutional landmarks, including Butler University and the State Fish Hatchery. The map captures a dense network of social infrastructure, from the Central State Hospital Colony to the concentrated complex of the Indiana University Medical Center. The city's industrial and logistical backbone is clearly visible through the rail corridors of the Pennsylvania Railroad and Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which converge near Union Sta and the civic heart of the State Capitol.