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1950 Map of Mt. Tamalpais

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Mt. Tamalpais
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

The Marin Peninsula serves as the gateway to the Golden Gate in this mid-century survey, showcasing a landscape where coastal preservation meets military defense. At the heart of the terrain, Mt Tamalpais State Park and Muir Woods National Monument protect the high ridges, while the Northwestern Pacific railroad tracks the eastern shoreline through growing communities like Larkspur and Mill Valley.

Coastal defenses are concentrated at the peninsula's southern tip, where Fort Cronkhite Mil Res and Fort Barry Mil Res overlook the Bonita Channel. This 1950 field-checked map captures a period of transition, documenting early suburban clusters in the valleys alongside remote landmarks like the Bolinas Sch and the Lighthouse at Point Bonita. The intricate coastal hydrography details hazards such as Potato Patch Shoal and the rocky protrusions of Duxbury Reef, providing a clear view of the maritime approaches to San Francisco.