1936 Map of Norman

About this map

The University of Oklahoma and the State Hospital anchor the growing city of Norman during the mid-1930s, a period when the regional landscape was defined by the winding course of the Canadian River. This survey captures the transition between the urban grid of the city and the surrounding agricultural townships, including Liberty, Noble, and Lexington. A notable transportation network is visible, featuring the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe and the Oklahoma Railway (Electric), which connected these communities before the dominance of modern highways. Rural life is documented through a dense distribution of country schools such as New Hope Sch and Capshaw Sch, alongside landmarks like Woody Chapel and the Fairview Cem. The map illustrates the geographical challenges of the era, showing the Norman Bridge and a Toll Bridge as critical crossings over the river's wide floodplains.