1940 Map of Portland

About this map

The Columbia River and Willamette River anchor this 1940 layout of the burgeoning Pacific Northwest. The city centers of Portland and Vancouver are depicted as dense urban grids, connected by the Interstate Bridge and surrounded by a landscape in transition. Aviation history is particularly prominent, with multiple sites including Pearson Field, Vancouver Airport, and the Portland Columbia Airport along the river banks. To the north, the terrain transitions into the Fourth Plains and rural Clark County, dotted with community landmarks like St John church and the Salmon School. The riverfront industry and transportation network are detailed, showing the Port of Portland Airport on Swan Island and the strategic location of the Federal Radio Commission Station near Russellville. Smaller outlying settlements like Knapp, Barberton, and Orchards illustrate the pre-suburban footprint of the region.