1966 Map of New Orleans East

About this map

New Orleans and its surrounding parishes are captured during a period of significant urban expansion and infrastructure development. The crescent of the Mississippi River defines the core of the city, separating the historic Vieux Carre and the U S Customhouse from the western bank communities of Algiers, Gretna, and McDonoghville. This mid-century view illustrates the densification of the street grid and the critical role of maritime commerce, evidenced by the Turning Basin and the Intracoastal Waterway (Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal). Extensive institutional grounds are prominent, including Tulane University, Dillard University, and the sprawling Metairie Cemetery and St Patrick Cemetery complexes. The map documents the city's transition toward modern transit with the Greater New Orleans Bridge and Pontchartrain Expy overlaying the older rail networks of the Southern Ry and the New Orleans Public Belt RR.