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1953 Map of Diablo

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Diablo
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

The Southern Pacific railroad corridor anchors the San Ramon Valley in this mid-century survey, revised through the early 1970s to show the transition from agricultural ranching toward suburban growth. The map tracks the development of Danville and San Ramon, while the eastern hills remain largely dedicated to the Mount Diablo State Park and the State Game Refuge. Local educational institutions like the Green Valley School, Athenian Sch, and San Ramon School are clearly marked, serving as anchor points for the budding residential communities.

Along the rugged slopes of Black Hawk Ridge and the Black Hills, the landscape is defined by traditional ranching lands such as Black Hawk Ranch. Geologic and topographic detail is high, identifying features like Fossil Ridge and the Sycamore Valley. This record captures a pivotal moment when the historic rail infrastructure and large landholdings were beginning to meet modern arterial roads and residential subdivisions.