1954 Map of Minneapolis

About this map

The Mississippi River and the sweeping bend of the Minnesota River frame this mid-century view of the Twin Cities' western expansion. During the early 1950s, the urban grid of Minneapolis pushes westward through St Louis Park and Richfield, while outlying areas like Eden Prairie and Bloomington remain largely rural, dotted with country schools and family cemeteries. The landscape is defined by its glacial history, with a high concentration of lakes such as Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet, and Medicine Lake interspersed with extensive parklands like Glenwood Park. Transport and industry are centered on the river valleys and rail lines, evidenced by the industrial activity at Port Cargill and the presence of the Northern Pacific and Chicago and North Western railroads. Notable specialized sites include the Glen Lake Sanatorium and the Minnesota Masonic Home, reflecting the era's institutional development on the suburban fringe.