1956 Map of Montara Mountain

About this map

The San Andreas Rift Zone forms a striking geographic divide across this peninsula landscape, separating the developing coastal communities of the west from the bayside cities of the east. On the Pacific coast, the topography is defined by the steep rises of San Pedro Mountain and the prominent North Peak, overlooking the growing neighborhoods of Pacifica, Linda Mar, and Montara. History is rooted in landmarks like the Sanchez Adobe and the Portola Expedition Historical Marker, while the Point Montara Light Station monitors the shoreline near Seal Cove. To the east, the terrain descends toward the San Andreas Lake and Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, where suburban expansion is evident in San Bruno, Millbrae, and Burlingame. This mid-century view shows a coastal economy in transition, where infrastructure like the Southern Pacific railroad and Hale Moon Bay Airport supports both industrial growth and local recreation at the Sharp Park Golf Course.