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1948 Map of Norfolk South

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Norfolk South
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1948
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1948

About this map

Portsmouth and South Norfolk dominate this post-war urban landscape, where the Elizabeth River and its various branches create a complex network of industrial waterfronts and naval installations. Large tracts of the Us Naval Reservation and the US Naval Hospital at Hospital Point highlight the significant military presence that shaped the region's development during the 1940s. The map illustrates dense residential patterns in neighborhoods like Highland Park, Alexander Park, and Port Norfolk, contrasted with the southern reaches where the terrain transitions into the Dismal Swamp and the Deep Creek area.

Industrial and transport infrastructure is particularly prominent, featuring an extensive web of railroads including the Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line and the Virginian. Local history is preserved through the marking of numerous community landmarks, such as Oak Grove Cemetery, Hope Chapel, and the Gilmerton Deep Creek Canal, which is noted as abandoned at this date. The map also captures several educational and religious sites in smaller outlying settlements like South Hill and Portlock.