1959 Map of Concord

About this map

Concord and Walnut Creek emerge as significant suburban hubs in this late-fifties era, showing a landscape defined by rapid post-war development and established academic institutions. Educational landmarks like St Marys College, Mills College, and Holy Names College are prominent, alongside the Chabot Observatory. The mapping of transit networks reflects a region in transition, where the Sacramento Northern, Southern Pacific, and Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroads intersect with newer infrastructure like the Arnold Highway and Nimitz Freeway. This survey captures the East Bay as it balanced high-density urban corridors in Oakland and Berkeley against the growing inland communities of Pleasant Hill and Lafayette. Beyond the residential expansion, the map details protected areas and water infrastructure, including the San Pablo Reservoir and Upper San Leandro Reservoir, which are vital to the area's hydrology.