1943 "USO Map Guide to Washington"

This is a WWII map of Washington, DC, issued as a guide for service men and women visiting or working in the city during the war. The map was created by Allen F. Free and published and distributed by the Washington Council of United Service Organizations, Inc. (better known as the U.S.O). The first edition of this map was issued in May of 1943; this is the second printing issued in December of that same year. 

Centered on the National Mall and surrounding neighborhoods, the map shows the Potomac River and East Potomac Park to the south, Adams Morgan and Union station to the North. A keyed and indexed map, there are 298 locations numerically identified with cross streets and organized by category, including: hotels, service clubs, bus terminals, information services, army and navy buildings, officer’s clubs, travelers aid, U.S.O. branches, airports, parks, hospitals, theaters and arenas, restaurants, night clubs, bicycle rentals, bowling, skating, steamboats, churches, points of interest, suburbs and local points. Many of the locations are circled in red on the map.

The map also identifies key landmark buildings, like Executive Mansion and U.S. Capitol, Department of Commerce and Department of the Interior, the Ellipse, Reflecting Pool, and the National Mall. An inset diagram of Union Station is printed at the top of the map. 

Established in 1941, the U.S.O. is a federally chartered group to provide morale and recreation services to military personnel and their families. 

CONDITION: 

Good condition overall. Printed color, in red and blue. There are a few minor ink notations in the image, not disrupting the image. Originally issued folding, with several short archivally repaired fold separations on verso and minor losses at those fold junctions. Related text and illustrations are found on verso. 

Map has been archivally framed in a custom-built black, wooden frame with acid-free mats and UV glass. 

Framed Dimensions: 20" H x 25 5/8" W x 3/4" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.