1949 Map of Melbourne West

About this map

Lake Washington and the headwaters of the St Johns River anchor the western edge of this coastal landscape, which underwent significant change during the mid-20th century. The map documents the rapid expansion of suburbs like West Melbourne and June Park, as well as the specialized community of Melbourne Village. The aerospace and military influence of the era is clearly visible, with the John F Kennedy Memorial Airport and the Air Force Eastern Test Range (Malabar Annex) occupying large tracts of land. Critical infrastructure such as the Melbourne Tillman Canal and its associated spoil banks illustrate the massive water management projects required to develop the Florida wetlands. Cultural landmarks like the Melbourne Golf and Country Club and the State Hospital provide a look at the social fabric of the Brevard County area at the dawn of the 1970s.