[In and Out Map of Miami]

WWII-era bird’s eye view of Miami, Miami Beach and Coral Gables.

According to historian Paul George, “Greater Miami was awash in military-related activities throughout World War II. The area’s climate, its flat terrain, and a plethora of waterways made it an ideal venue for military bases, training programs, and other war-related activities. From the Army Air Force “takeover” of south Miami Beach to the Navy’s blimp reconnaissance base in deep south Dade County, the military imprint on the area was profound. Its reach also extended to the Miami River, where the Miami Shipbuilding Company and Merrill-Stevens, among other boatyards, bustled with shipbuilding and ship conversion activities, all in the cause of the Allied effort to defeat the Axis powers. Even smaller boating facilities, like Hardie’s boatyard near NW 22nd Avenue, were busy with military-related activities.”

This map, showing the area from Chapman Field to Miami Gardens Road, gives some indication of such wartime hustle and bustle. A close examination reveals dirigible bases, depots, officer academies and dockyard facilities. While local advertisements take up a significant portion of the border, indices of locations are divided between those “open to civilians” and “information for service men and women.” The latter lists facilities for those in the armed forces, including hospitals, federal agencies, U.S.O. clubs and more.

Although significant attention is paid to the area’s wartime activities, leisure and recreation also play a prominent role in the theme of the map. Golf courses, parks, and theaters are also noted, while serious effort has been made by the publishers to include up to date hotel information, as evidenced by the multiple layers of text throughout the image.