This 1976 pictorial advertising map of New Orleans by Tom Dodds provides a richly detailed and colorful snapshot of the city as it appeared during the mid-1970s. Focusing on prominent landmarks, businesses, and cultural sites, the map celebrates the vibrant history and contemporary life of New Orleans through labeled vignettes and illustrations.
In addition to local landmarks, tthe map is filled with local, regional and national businesses and the occasional historical factoid.
The French Quarter, at the heart of the map, features iconic locations such as the Monteleone Hotel and Royal Orleans, both symbols of the area’s hospitality and historic charm. Nearby, Pat O’Brien’s bar stands out, famous for its lively atmosphere and signature Hurricane cocktails, alongside Brennan’s Restaurant, a hallmark of Creole cuisine. The Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral dominate Jackson Square, reflecting the rich architectural and historical heritage of the city’s oldest district. The surrounding streets teem with caricatures of street performers and musicians, illustrating the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street and its nightlife.
Flowing alongside the city, the Mississippi River is a key feature of the map, bustling with steamboats such as The Natchez and Delta Queen, as well as commercial ships labeled Central Gulf Lines and Lykes Lines, which underscore New Orleans’ significance as a major port city. The Canal Street Ferry is also depicted, emphasizing the river’s role in local transportation. The docks and riverbank activity further highlight the city’s dependence on its waterways for trade and culture.
Moving uptown, the Garden District and surrounding areas are illustrated with lush greenery and notable landmarks like Audubon Park, home to open spaces and zoological attractions. Educational institutions such as Loyola University and Tulane University are clearly labeled, reinforcing the area’s cultural importance. The industrial side of the city is reflected by the inclusion of Blue Plate Foods, a local business central to New Orleans’ manufacturing history.
The map prominently features the modern Louisiana Superdome, a centerpiece of New Orleans in the 1970s, symbolizing the city’s embrace of modernity. The Superdome is surrounded by depictions of football players, celebrating its role as home to the New Orleans Saints. Adjacent to it, the Hyatt Regency and Holiday Inn Superdome reflect the growth of tourism and hospitality industries tied to this iconic structure.
To the north, Lake Pontchartrain is depicted along with the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, labeled as the “world’s longest bridge,” emphasizing its engineering marvel at 23.85 miles long. The nearby Pontchartrain Beach amusement park appears with its rollercoaster and other attractions, offering a playful counterpoint to the city’s historic features. The area of Fat City is humorously portrayed as a hub of nightclubs and entertainment, reflecting its reputation as a nightlife district.
Downtown New Orleans is marked by prominent commercial buildings such as the First National Bank of Commerce, Maison Blanche Building, and International Trade Mart, showcasing the business-oriented side of the city. The French Quarter extends its influence here with landmarks like Gallier Hall and Maison Dupuy, seamlessly blending history with modern life.