1952 Map of Tempe

About this map

Papago State Park and its distinctive geologic formations, including Ames Butte and the Papago Buttes, dominate the northern landscape of this mid-century survey. The area is defined by a sophisticated irrigation network including the Arizona Canal, Grand Canal, and Cross Cut Canal, which allowed agriculture and institutional growth to flourish in the arid valley. The map documents Tempe during a transformative period for Arizona State College at Tempe, showing the campus before its elevation to university status. Cultural and recreational sites are prominent, from the Arizona Downs Race Track and Arizona Country Club to the Desert Botanical Garden. South of the Salt River, the map captures the transition from the concentrated downtown street grid to more expansive agricultural lands such as the Ariz State College Farm and U of Arizona Experimental Farm.