PDX Geotech: Airport Map from 1897

We're participating in a project that requires us to perform #Geotech exploration and #Liquefaction evaluation out at the Portland Airport. Take a look at the changes in the map of PDX between 1897 and today. The area around the Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon has undergone significant changes since 1897. However, it's important to note that the Portland International Airport itself wasn't established until the 1940s. Before that, there were other airfields and facilities in the region.

Here is a brief overview of the changes in the area since 1897:

1. Early Development (Late 19th to Early 20th Century): In 1897, the region around what is now PDX was primarily rural and characterized by farmland and forests. The city of Portland was growing, but aviation was in its infancy, and there were no airports in the modern sense.

2. Aviation Development (1920s - 1930s): The growth of aviation led to the establishment of early airfields in the area. One notable airfield was the Swan Island Municipal Airport, which opened in 1927. This airfield was located on Swan Island in the Willamette River and served as Portland's main airport until the construction of the present-day PDX.

3. Portland International Airport (PDX) Development (1940s - Present): During World War II, the Swan Island Airport became inadequate for the growing needs of air travel. In response, the Port of Portland began planning and building a new airport. Portland International Airport opened on September 5, 1940. Over the years, PDX has undergone expansions and renovations to accommodate the increasing volume of air traffic.

4. Urban and Suburban Growth (Mid-20th Century - Present): The region around PDX has experienced substantial urban and suburban development. As Portland and its surrounding communities grew, the airport became a crucial transportation hub for the Pacific Northwest.

5. Economic and Infrastructure Changes: The area around PDX has seen economic changes related to the airport's role as a major transportation and cargo hub. Infrastructure developments, including roads and public transportation, have been implemented to support the airport's operations and the needs of the surrounding communities.

6. Modernization and Expansion: In recent years, PDX has undergone modernization efforts to enhance passenger experience and accommodate increasing air traffic. This includes terminal expansions, runway upgrades, and other improvements to maintain the airport's status as a major aviation hub.

The specific changes to the area would include shifts in land use, the development of neighborhoods, changes in transportation infrastructure, and the growth of businesses and services related to the airport. The history of the area reflects broader trends in aviation, urban development, and regional economic changes over the past century.