1938 Map of New Orleans West

About this map

The Mississippi River creates a massive oxbow at Twelvemile Pt and Ninemile Pt, anchoring a landscape defined by New Orleans' westward expansion. This mid-1930s era shows the critical role of rail and river infrastructure, dominated by the newly constructed Huey P Long Bridge spanning the water to connect Jefferson Heights with the industrial corridor of Belt City. North of the river, the residential development of Metairie and Bonnabel Place is clearly delineated alongside the Air Line Highway, while the vast Churchill Farms remains largely open south of Westwego. Local institutional history is visible through landmarks such as the U S Marine Hospital and the Water Purification Plant near the parish line. The complex rail network, including the Illinois Central and Southern Pacific, weaves through established settlements like Kenner and Harahan, reflecting the region's industrial backbone.