1978 Astroworld Pictorial Map of Houston, Texas

A colorful 1978 pictorial map of Houston, Texas, issued by Image Graphics to promote Astroworld, an immersive sports-focused theme park.

A Closer Look

Centered on downtown Houston, with its many iconic skyscrapers recognizable, the map broadly covers the metropolitan area, extending from Houston International to Hobby Airport. Astroworld, Astro Village, and the Astrodome appear just below and to the left of center. At the lower right, the view shows Houston's sports teams: the Astros, Rockets, Oilers, Hurricanes, and Aeros. Throughout, local businesses and landmarks are noted.

Astroworld

Astroworld was an amusement park located in Houston, Texas. It was founded in 1968 by local entrepreneur Judge Roy Hofheinz. The park was intended to complement the nearby Houston Astrodome, thus offering an immersive sports-themed entertainment experience. Astroworld featured rides, attractions, and themed areas, quickly becoming a beloved family destination. Over the years, the park underwent numerous expansions and renovations, introducing iconic rides such as the Texas Cyclone and Greased Lightnin'. Despite its popularity, Astroworld faced financial challenges and changing ownership, ultimately being acquired by Six Flags in 1978. The park permanently closed on October 30, 2005, due to rising property values and financial struggles.

Publication History and Census

This map was designed by Image Graphics of Arlington, Texas. It is one of several maps of Houston and Arlington copyrighted by that firm in the 1970s. This is the first edition. Rights to the map were acquired by the Canadian pictorial map publisher Archar in 1979 when a second edition bearing their imprint appeared. Scarce. We see an example at the University of Texas at Arlington.