1961 Map of Tacoma South

About this map

The southern reaches of Tacoma and its burgeoning suburbs are documented here just as the Interstate system began reshaping the Washington landscape. This era marks the prominence of McChord Air Force Base and the South Tacoma Airport, alongside established neighborhoods like Oakland, South Tacoma, and Fern Hill. The transition from industrial rail corridors to modern transit is visible through the networks of the Northern Pacific and Great Northern railroads. Educational and community institutions are particularly well-represented, from Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland to Cheney Stadium and Lincoln High Sch. The map reveals a mix of dense residential blocks and undeveloped marshlands, such as the South Tacoma Swamp, while several large cemeteries including Tacoma Cemetery and Mtn View Memorial Park (Cem) serve as significant landmarks for local history.