1949 Map of Seattle South

About this map

Boeing Field and the sprawling industrial corridors of the Duwamish River dominate this post-war landscape of South Seattle. The map details the city's complex mid-century transport network, where the Lake Washington Pontoon Bridge connects the city to East Seattle and four major railroads—the Northern Pacific, Union Pacific, Great Northern, and Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific—converge along the waterfront. Residential growth is evident in the grid patterns of Highland Park, Rainier Valley, and Yesler Terrace. This era represents the peak of Seattle's industrial aviation and maritime identity, visible in the intensive development of Harbor Island and the many slips of the East Waterway. Beyond the industry, the map documents community landmarks from Sicks Stadium to the Veterans Hospital and schools like Garfield High Sch.