Guia de la Ciudad de Mexico y Delegaciones

Navigating a rapidly expanding Mexico City in the mid-20th century.

This practical guide to Mexico City was designed by engineer Manuel Rejon Nunez and published locally in 1948. During and after World War II, the economic and political capital of Mexico was expanding in all directions and establishing new boroughs, or delegaciones, at a rapid pace. These units of organization are labeled in green throughout the image and referenced extensively in the lower street index. Many of the street names are present in several boroughs, hinting at the somewhat uncoordinated growth and confusing grid.

The map helps to obviate navigational difficulties for tourists and locals alike. By cross-referencing numbers on the central indicator and the outer edges of the sheet, the user can pinpoint dozens of streets and different locations of interest (organized alphabetically at the bottom and on the verso).