1957 Map of Wilmington

About this map

Philadelphia and the burgeoning industrial corridor of the Delaware River anchor this mid-century survey, which reveals a region rapidly modernizing through massive infrastructure projects. The newly established New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway are clearly visible, reshaping the movement of people and goods between the major hubs of Camden and Wilmington. Along the coastline, the Atlantic Ocean meets a series of barrier islands and inlets, including the prominent resort city of Atlantic City and the growing developments at Ocean City. The map captures the specialized transport landscape of the era, where traditional rail systems like the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines operate alongside critical maritime channels such as the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. From the Fort Dix Military Reservation in the north to the lighthouses of Delaware Bay, this study documents a pivotal moment of suburban and industrial expansion.