Old Maps of Alta, California for Metal Detecting
Plan your next treasure hunt with 18 historic maps of Alta. Find old homesites, ghost towns, trails, and gathering spots that may be lost to time — perfect for identifying promising metal detecting locations.
- Locate forgotten sites: Uncover places like long-lost settlements, abandoned rail lines, or gathering spots.
- Plan better hunts: Use map overlays combined with LiDAR or satellite views to narrow in on historically rich areas.
- Made for detectorists: Thousands of hobbyists use these maps to discover relics, coins, and hidden history.
Use these historic maps to boost your research and find new opportunities beneath the surface of Alta.
Alta, CA maps
(18)- 1897 Map of Tamalpais1897 Tamalpais1897 Print · USGSMarin County's ridges and coastal lagoons are shown in the late nineteenth century as rail lines began to stitch together its small towns and land grants. Genealogists and historians can trace the early footprints of Eastland, Larkspur, and Woodville alongside the winding routes of the North Pacific Coast R. R.12 unique versions available
- 1941 Map of Tamalpais1941 Tamalpais1941 Print · USGSMarin County's coastal defenses and rail-connected towns are captured here just as the nation entered World War II. Researchers can trace the early fortifications at Fort Cronkhite, the path of the Northwestern Pacific RR, and old landmarks like Bolinas School.
- 1947 Map of San Francisco, 1948 Print1947 San Francisco1948 Print · USGSThe Bay Area in the late 1940s reveals a region transitioning from wartime intensity to post-war suburban growth. Trace the historic rail lines of the Southern Pacific RR or locate early military footprints at Fort Funston and Moffett Field.
- 1948 Map of San Francisco, 1951 Print1948 San Francisco1951 Print · USGSThe Bay Area in the late 1940s reveals a landscape defined by rapid post-war growth and a heavy military presence at the Golden Gate. Trace the development of early trans-bay infrastructure like the Oakland-Bay Bridge and historic coastal defense sites such as Fort Funston and Alcatraz Island.
- 1950 Map of Mt. Tamalpais, 1954 Print1950 Mt. Tamalpais1954 Print · USGSMarin County's dramatic coastline and the approach to the Golden Gate are shown here in the mid-fifties. Genealogists and historians can trace the early boundaries of Mill Valley, the coastal outposts of Bolinas and Stinson Beach, and several coastal military sites.4 unique versions available
- 1954 Map of San Rafael, 1955 Print1954 San Rafael1955 Print · USGSMid-century Marin County is captured here in detail, from the slopes of the redwood canyons to the bayside marshes. Genealogists and historians can trace the footprint of early schools like Alto School and Short School, or locate family sites near Mt Tamalpais Cemetery and Baltimore Park.7 unique versions available
- 1955 Map of San Francisco1955 San Francisco1955 Print · USGSThe San Francisco Bay Area and central coast are captured during the postwar boom as suburbs and infrastructure expanded rapidly. Trace the development of local communities and military installations like the Presidio and Fort Mason, or follow the Southern Pacific rail lines.
- 1956 Map of San Francisco1956 San Francisco1956 Print · USGSThe San Francisco Bay Area is captured in the mid-fifties, showing a landscape of rapid post-war growth and massive military installations. Researchers can trace the sprawling rail lines of the Southern Pacific and locate historic sites like Stanford University or the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard.4 unique versions available
- 1957 Map of San Francisco1957 San Francisco1957 Print · USGSThe Bay Area in the mid-fifties reveals a rapidly growing metropolitan landscape connected by its iconic spans and rail networks. Researchers can trace the layout of military sites like the Presidio and the extent of the Southern Pacific and Western Pacific railroads.
- 1960 Map of San Francisco1960 San Francisco1960 Print · USGSThe San Francisco Bay Area at the start of the sixties reveals a landscape of rapid expansion and critical infrastructure. Researchers can trace the development of East Bay communities like Russell City and Mt Eden or locate early rural landmarks like Alpine School.
- 1961 Map of San Francisco1961 San Francisco1961 Print · USGSThe Bay Area at the dawn of the 1960s reveals a landscape of growing cities and massive Cold War military installations. Genealogists and historians can trace the mid-century urban footprint from Berkeley to San Mateo, while locating landmarks like the Presidio, Alcatraz Island, and Moffett Field Air Station.
- 1964 Map of San Francisco1964 San Francisco1964 Print · USGSThe Bay Area in the mid-sixties shows a region of rapid suburban expansion and major military installations. Researchers can trace the development of the South Bay near Stanford University or locate family plots in the historic Cypress Lawn Cem and Holy Cross Cem.
- 1971 Map of San Francisco1971 San Francisco1971 Print · USGSThe San Francisco Bay Area at the start of the 1970s is shown here as a dense network of aerospace hubs, naval bases, and expanding suburbs. Researchers can trace the mid-century footprint of Stanford University, the industrial Salt Evaporators, and the Southern Pacific rail lines.
- 1978 Map of San Francisco, 1979 Print1978 San Francisco1979 Print · USGSThe San Francisco Bay Area in the late seventies reveals a landscape where massive naval installations and federal parklands meet a rapidly maturing urban core. Genealogists and historians can locate family landmarks near the National Cemetery, trace the Southern Pacific rail lines, or study the layout of the Alameda Naval Air Station.2 unique versions available
- 1985 Map of San Francisco, 1989 Print1985 San Francisco1989 Print · USGSThe Bay Area is captured in the mid-1980s through experimental Landsat satellite imagery, offering a unique technological perspective of the California coast. Trace the urban boundaries of San Francisco and Alameda against the San Francisco Bay and Lorenzo.
- 1993 Map of San Rafael, 1997 Print1993 San Rafael1997 Print · USGSMarin County's valleys and ridges are captured in the early nineties as residential growth meets protected redwood groves and marshes. Trace the suburban evolution of Mill Valley and San Rafael alongside preserved sites like Muir Woods National Monument.
- 1995 Map of San Rafael, 1999 Print1995 San Rafael1999 Print · USGSMarin County at the end of the century shows a unique balance of dense suburban development and sprawling protected peaks. Genealogists and researchers can trace local landmarks like Mt Tamalpais Cemetery, the College of Marin, and Silva Island.
- 2021 Map of San Rafael, 2021 Print2021 San Rafael2021 Print · USGSMarin County's ridges and bayside towns are shown here in the modern era, from the redwood groves to the waterfront. Trace local landmarks like the College of Marin, the Municipal Yacht Harbor, and Muir Woods National Monument.
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