1955 Map of Rome

About this map

Griffiss Air Force Base dominates the northeastern landscape of this mid-century survey, illustrating the significant military and aviation presence in Rome during the post-war years. The city core is a dense hub of industrial and civic activity, flanked by the Mohawk River and the historical path of the Old Erie Canal. The map reveals a community structured by transport, where the New York Central railroad and the New York State Thruway intersect near established neighborhoods like Liberty Gardens and Mohawk Gardens. Further south, the transition to rural terrain is marked by institutional landmarks such as the Rome State School and regional infrastructure like the Oneida County Airport in Whitestown. This record captures a pivotal era when the city’s colonial roots and canal-era legacy met the rapid expansion of Cold War-era defense and modern highway networks.