1938 Map of New Orleans West

About this map

The Mississippi River winds in a dramatic serpentine curve through this mid-1930s landscape, serving as the central axis for a region in transition. The west bank remains heavily defined by drainage canals like the Westwego Drainage Canal and the large agricultural holdings of Churchill Farms, while the east bank shows the rapid suburbanization of Jefferson Parish following the arrival of the Air Line Highway. Transportation infrastructure dominates the area, anchored by the massive Huey P Long Bridge and a dense network of competing rail lines including the Illinois Central Railroad and the Southern Pacific. Local life is visible in the emergence of neighborhoods such as Metairie and Bonnabel Place, alongside specialized sites like the Wedell-Williams Airport and the U S Marine Hospital, reflecting the growing importance of aviation and public services in this era.