The astounding prevalence of New Deal projects, in 1 eye-popping map
Most Americans have heard of the New Deal, the huge project of reform, regulation, and public works done under former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt 80 years ago. Its scope was enormous: The Public Works Administration alone consumed at its peak half the concrete and one-third of the steel output of the whole nation, while the Works Progress Administration built or renovated tens of thousands of roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and parks.
But what you might not know is that most of those New Deal projects are still standing around the country today. The Living New Deal website maintains an interactive map of them all, and it's very likely there is one still in your hometown — even if it is very small. They're everywhere:
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
