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1947 Map of San Juan

Name: 1947 Topographic Map of San Juan
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1947
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1947

About this map

La Fortaleza stands at the western tip of the islet of San Juan, anchoring a mid-century landscape where colonial history meets rapid urban expansion. This 1940s-era survey captures the capital city during a period of significant institutional growth, as evidenced by the extensive grounds of the Universidad de Puerto Rico and specialized facilities like the Hogar Insular de Niños and Sanatorio Insular.

The map reveals the intricate water network of the Bahía de San Juan and Laguna San José, which defined early 20th-century settlement patterns. Emerging residential developments such as Barriada Eleanor Roosevelt appear alongside deep historical markers, including Las Ruinas de Caparra and the Catedral. From the coastal fortifications at Pta del Morro to the inland farms at Finca Retiro, the map provides a look at the transition from fortified port to a modern metropolitan center.