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Old Maps of San Rafael, California for Academic Research

Study the evolution of San Rafael with 44 high-resolution historic maps. Whether you're teaching, researching, or modeling changes in land use, these maps provide essential visual documentation of urban, environmental, and geographic change.

  • Analyze long-term change: Track patterns in development, transportation, and natural features.
  • Ideal for environmental or urban studies: Support academic projects with primary historical map data.
  • Use in the classroom or lab: Educators and researchers rely on these maps to bring historical context to life.

These maps are a powerful tool for teaching, research, and visualizing how San Rafael has changed over the decades.

San Rafael, CA maps

(44)
  1. 1895 Map of San Francisco
    1895 Map of San Francisco
    1895 San Francisco
    1895 Print · USGS
    The San Francisco Bay Area thrives as a maritime and rail power at the close of the nineteenth century. Genealogists and researchers can trace early neighborhoods in Berkeley, the layout of the Presidio Military Reservation, and rail terminals like the Oakland Mole.
  4. 1897 Map of Tamalpais
    1897 Map of Tamalpais
    1897 Tamalpais
    1897 Print · USGS
    Marin 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
  7. 1899 Map of San Francisco
    1899 Map of San Francisco
    1899 San Francisco
    1899 Print · USGS
    The Bay Area at the close of the nineteenth century reveals a burgeoning metropolis still tied to its maritime and rail roots. Trace the early layouts of the University of California and the Presidio, or locate the now-vanished Lone Mt. Cem. and Shell Mound.
    7 unique versions available
  10. 1902 Map of Napa
    1902 Map of Napa
    1902 Napa
    1902 Print · USGS
    The Napa Valley and Carquinez Strait are captured at the turn of the century, showing a landscape defined by maritime military posts and early vineyards. Genealogists and historians can trace the Mare Island Navy Yard, the Insane Asylum, and rail stops at Zinfandel and Rutherford.
    6 unique versions available
  13. 1914 Map of Petaluma
    1914 Map of Petaluma
    1914 Petaluma
    1914 Print · USGS
    The North Bay region near the turn of the century shows a landscape of tidal marshes and rising ridges connected by the Northwestern Pacific. Genealogists and historians can trace old family ranch sites like Freitas Ranch and numerous rural schoolhouses including Iowa School and Burdell School.
    5 unique versions available
  16. 1915 Map of San Francisco
    1915 Map of San Francisco
    1915 San Francisco
    1915 Print · USGS
    San Francisco and the East Bay appear at a pivotal moment just before the First World War, featuring the grand layout of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Genealogists and historians can trace the early rail networks of the Key Route Pier, the industrial waterfront at Winehaven, and historic landmarks like Cliff House.
    6 unique versions available
  19. 1916 Map of Mare Island
    1916 Map of Mare Island
    1916 Mare Island
    1916 Print · USGS
    The northern San Pablo Bay region comes alive in this survey, showcasing a landscape of tidal marshes and rail-driven growth during the mid-1910s. Researchers can trace the layout of the Mare Island Navy Yard, the remote rail stop at Wingo, and the rural classrooms of Fly School.
    4 unique versions available
  22. 1941 Map of Tamalpais
    1941 Map of Tamalpais
    1941 Tamalpais
    1941 Print · USGS
    Marin 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.
  25. 1942 Map of Mare Island
    1942 Map of Mare Island
    1942 Mare Island
    1942 Print · USGS
    The northern reaches of San Pablo Bay come alive in this wartime survey, showing a landscape of vital naval yards and marshland agriculture. Genealogists and historians can trace rail depots like Napa Junction, rural landmarks like American Canyon School, and the industrial waterfronts of Vallejo and Oleum.
  28. 1942 Map of Petaluma
    1942 Map of Petaluma
    1942 Petaluma
    1942 Print · USGS
    The Marin and Sonoma county line runs through this early 1940s landscape of tidal marshes and ranch lands. Genealogists can trace family names at Mt Oliver Cemetery or find historic rural institutions like the Olompali School and St Vincent Station.
  31. 1947 Map of Santa Rosa
    1947 Map of Santa Rosa
    1947 Santa Rosa
    1947 Print · USGS
    Northern California in the late 1940s was a landscape of agricultural valleys and vital rail hubs. Trace the historic routes of the Northwestern Pacific through Healdsburg or explore the mid-century waterfronts of Vallejo and Benicia near Mare Island.
  34. 1947 Map of San Francisco, 1948 Print
    1947 Map of San Francisco, 1948 Print
    1947 San Francisco
    1948 Print · USGS
    The 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.
  37. 1947 Map of San Quentin, 1956 Print
    1947 Map of San Quentin, 1956 Print
    1947 San Quentin
    1956 Print · USGS
    The San Francisco Bay area in the late 1940s reveals a landscape of ferry-connected shores and burgeoning industry. Trace the historic Richmond-San Rafael Ferry route, the State Penitentiary, and the Tiburon Naval Net Depot.
  40. 1948 Map of San Quentin
    1948 Map of San Quentin
    1948 San Quentin
    1948 Print · USGS
    The North Bay waterfront comes alive in the late 1940s, showing the active ferry routes and military installations of the era. Genealogists and historians can trace the Richmond-San Rafael Ferry, the State Penitentiary, and the Tiburon Naval Net Depot.
    2 unique versions available
  43. 1948 Map of San Francisco, 1951 Print
    1948 Map of San Francisco, 1951 Print
    1948 San Francisco
    1951 Print · USGS
    The 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.
  46. 1949 Map of Santa Rosa
    1949 Map of Santa Rosa
    1949 Santa Rosa
    1949 Print · USGS
    The North Bay and Wine Country appear here in the late 1940s, when the Northwestern Pacific RR still dominated regional transit. Genealogists and historians can trace old coastal outposts like Anchor Bay Settlement and the early layout of Santa Rosa.
    2 unique versions available
  49. 1950 Map of Mt. Tamalpais, 1954 Print
    1950 Map of Mt. Tamalpais, 1954 Print
    1950 Mt. Tamalpais
    1954 Print · USGS
    Marin 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
  52. 1951 Map of Petaluma Point
    1951 Map of Petaluma Point
    1951 Petaluma Point
    1951 Print · USGS
    San Pablo Bay and the Marin shoreline are captured here in the early fifties, detailing the transition from tidal marsh to inland hills. Trace the path of the Northwestern Pacific railroad past Rose or explore the historic site at China Camp.
    2 unique versions available
  55. 1954 Map of San Rafael, 1955 Print
    1954 Map of San Rafael, 1955 Print
    1954 San Rafael
    1955 Print · USGS
    Mid-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
  58. 1954 Map of Novato, 1955 Print
    1954 Map of Novato, 1955 Print
    1954 Novato
    1955 Print · USGS
    Marin County's mid-century landscape is transitioning from a rural railroad corridor to a postwar suburban hub. Researchers can trace the layout of Hamilton Air Force Base, old schoolhouses like Dixie Sch, and the winding Northwestern Pacific line.
    6 unique versions available
  61. 1954 Map of Petaluma, 1959 Print
    1954 Map of Petaluma, 1959 Print
    1954 Petaluma
    1959 Print · USGS
    Coastal mountains and river sloughs define the Marin and Sonoma borderlands in the mid-1950s, a period of military expansion and rural transition. Genealogists and historians can trace family-named schools like Iowa School or Wilson Sch and the extensive infrastructure of Hamilton Air Force Base.
    3 unique versions available
  64. 1955 Map of San Francisco
    1955 Map of San Francisco
    1955 San Francisco
    1955 Print · USGS
    The 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.
  67. 1956 Map of San Francisco
    1956 Map of San Francisco
    1956 San Francisco
    1956 Print · USGS
    The 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
  70. 1957 Map of San Francisco
    1957 Map of San Francisco
    1957 San Francisco
    1957 Print · USGS
    The 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.
  73. 1958 Map of Santa Rosa, 1968 Print
    1958 Map of Santa Rosa, 1968 Print
    1958 Santa Rosa
    1968 Print · USGS
    The North Bay and Wine Country are captured in the mid-twentieth century as the region balanced its agricultural roots with a growing military and recreational footprint. Researchers can trace the Northwestern Pacific RR through the Russian River valley or locate landmarks like the Petaluma Adobe Historical Monument and The Geysers Resort.
    3 unique versions available
Showing maps 1-25 of 44

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Frequently asked questions

  • What are the different types of historical maps available for San Rafael?
  • What is the oldest map of San Rafael?
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