1936 Map of Norman

About this map

The University of Oklahoma and its surrounding campus developments anchor the northern portion of this Central Oklahoma landscape, recorded during the mid-1930s with updates into the early 1950s. The region is defined by the wide, shifting course of the Canadian River, which separates Cleveland and McClain Counties. Along its banks, the Santa Fe railroad corridor serves as the primary industrial spine, connecting the major hubs of Norman, Noble, and Purcell. This era of the landscape shows a high density of rural social infrastructure, with dozens of family and community landmarks like Woody Chapel, Independence School, and Gripping Springs Cemetery scattered across the uplands. Aviation history is also prominent on this sheet, featuring Westheiner Field and an Emergency Landing Field south of the river, highlighting the region's growing importance in mid-century transportation networks.