1956 Map of Port Tampa

About this map

Mac Dill Air Force Base occupies a dominant position on the Interbay Peninsula, illustrating the mid-century military footprint along the Florida coast. This map reveals the maritime and aviation infrastructure of the era, from the heavy rail lines of the Seaboard terminating at the Port Tampa Dock to the civilian Whitted Airport and the iconic Municipal Pier further south. Across Old Tampa Bay, the residential expansion of St Petersburg is evident in the developing finger isles and canals of Shore Acres and Snell Isle. The natural geography of Weedon Island remains largely intact, characterized by landmarks like Weedon Hammock and a cluster of named keys including Christmas Island and Snake Island. These details highlight a period of transition where industrial shipping, strategic military installations, and suburban bayfront growth converged.