1955 Map of Mt. Madonna

About this map

Morgan Hill serves as a prominent gateway to the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mts in the mid-1950s, where agricultural valley land meets the rising timber and canyons of the coast range. The map illustrates a landscape transitioning from the organized grid of orchards and vineyards along the Southern Pacific rail line to the winding roads of the foothills, such as Uvas Road and Watsonville Road. Local educational and social hubs like Machado School and Adams Sch are clearly marked, alongside the Mt Hope Cem and the distinctive Vaquero Tree Historical Marker. To the west, the topography becomes significantly more complex, defined by the San Andreas Rift Zone and the high point of Mt Madonna. This area includes the extensive Mt Madonna County Park and the secluded Redwood Retreat, highlighting the region's importance for both watershed management and early recreation.