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1960 Map of Long Beach

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Long Beach
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

The dense urban expansion of the Los Angeles Basin meets the Pacific Ocean in this mid-century portrait of the Southern California coast. Post-war suburban growth is evident in the grid systems connecting inland centers like Whittier and Downey to coastal communities from Santa Monica down to Artesia. The map highlights the critical industrial and maritime infrastructure of the era, specifically the expansive Los Angeles Harbor and the adjacent Terminal Island, which served as the primary gateway for the region's burgeoning trade.

Beyond the mainland, the survey provides detailed topography of the Channel Islands, including Santa Catalina Island with its settlement at Avalon Bay, and the more remote San Nicolas Island and San Clemente Island. On the coast, the Palos Verdes Hills stand as a prominent landmark between Santa Monica Bay and the industrial hubs of the South Bay, while inland settlements like Hynes and Clearwater reflect the local identity of the period.