1940 Map of Halfmoon Bay

About this map

The Pacific Ocean coastline of San Mateo County is depicted here in the years leading up to World War II, showing a landscape defined by steep coastal ridges and scattered rural ranching communities. The Pulgas Water Temple stands as a significant landmark near Crystal Springs Lake, marking the terminus of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct system. Inland, the high elevations of Kings Mtn and Sierra Morena separate the coastal terrace from the growing bayside communities of San Carlos and Woodside. Along the shore, small settlements and schools like Miramar Sch and Purisima Sch serve the agricultural lands between Pillar Point and the southern village of Pescadero. This survey captures the region before the post-war expansion transformed the Peninsula, highlighting the winding routes through Cañada De Verde Y Arroyo De La Purisima and the timbered slopes of Butano Ridge.