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1956 Map of Portland West

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Portland West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1971
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1971

About this map

The Presumpscot River winds through this detailed survey, illustrating the industrial and residential development of the Portland area during the mid-20th century. The landscape is defined by its deep maritime and rail connections, with the Portland Terminal Railroad and Maine Central Railroad weaving through neighborhoods like Cumberland Mills and Knightville. This edition highlights the urban expansion of Portland and South Portland, showing the concentration of institutional landmarks such as the Maine Medical Center, Westbrook Junior College, and the sprawling Evergreen Cemetery.

Transit infrastructure is a prominent theme, from the Portland International Jetport at the city's edge to the Maine Turnpike and the Veterans Memorial Bridge crossing the Fore River. Along the shoreline, Back Cove and Portland Harbor remain focal points of the geography, surrounded by established neighborhoods like East Deering and Rosemont. The map also captures several local schools and cemeteries, including Calvary Cemetery and St Hyacinth Cem, reflecting the area's genealogical and community history.