1948 Map of Tonawanda West

About this map

Niagara River Tonawanda Channel dominates the landscape in this mid-century survey, dividing the burgeoning industrial centers of Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda, and Tonawanda from the largely rural interior of Grand Island. The postwar expansion is evident in the development around La Salle and the presence of the Niagara Falls Municipal Airport with its Air Beacon. While the cities show dense grids and established institutions like Bishop Duffy High Sch, the surrounding areas like Wheatfield maintain a pastoral character, dotted with community anchors such as St Jacobs Ch, School No 4, and Holy Ghost Cem. The map reveals a complex water-based infrastructure, including the Lockport Intake and Tonawanda Intake, vital for the region's growth. Heavy rail lines, including the New York Central Railroad and Erie RR, crisscross the mainland, facilitating the movement of goods between the riverfront and the interior.