1941 Map of San Juan

About this map

La Fortaleza and the imposing Morro Castle anchor the historic peninsula of San Juan in this 1941 survey, showing the capital just before the massive post-war expansion. The map details a landscape where traditional coastal fortifications meet modern 20th-century infrastructure, including the American Railroad and the primary arteries of Avenida Ponce de Leon and Avenida Fernandez Juncos. To the south and east, the growth of the metropolitan area is visible in the development of Hato Rey and the Barriada Eleanor Roosevelt, contrasting with the more rural terrain around Montes de San Patricio. Significant social and institutional landmarks are documented, from the Universidad de Puerto Rico and Hospital Presbiteriano to specialized sites like the Sanatorio Insular and Manicomio Insular. The coastal geography is finely rendered, highlighting the Laguna del Condado and the wetlands surrounding Laguna San Jose.