1953 Map of Van Nuys

About this map

Panorama City and Van Nuys form the urban core of this mid-century survey, capturing the San Fernando Valley during a period of massive residential expansion. The landscape is dominated by a dense grid of suburban development, yet the northern reaches still show significant industrial activity with numerous Gravel Pits and the sprawling San Fernando Valley Airport. The southern edge transitions abruptly into the Santa Monica Mountains, where Mulholland Drive winds along the ridgeline overlooking the burgeoning valley floor. Notable institutions such as the Sepulveda Veterans Administration Hospital and the Republic Studio highlight the region's diverse identity as a center for healthcare, military presence at the US Naval Reserve, and the entertainment industry. The drainage patterns of the Pacoima Wash and Tujunga Wash are clearly visible as they channel toward the Los Angeles River, which snakes through the southern communities of Sherman Oaks and Studio City.