1902 Map of Napa

About this map

The Mare Island Navy Yard and the U. S. Arsenal at Benicia anchor the southern reaches of this 1902 survey, where the Carquinez Strait connects the San Pablo and Suisun Bays. This maritime and military hub is contrasted by the burgeoning viticultural and agricultural landscapes of the Napa Valley to the north. Rail lines including the Southern Pacific RR (Calistoga Branch) tie together settlements like St. Helena, Rutherford, and Oakville, following the course of the Napa River. Significant early institutions are documented here, notably the Insane Asylum south of Napa and the Veterans Home near Yountville. The map also captures the complex hydrology of the region, from the tidal marshes around Grizzly Island and Joice Island to the mineral springs at Napa Soda Springs, providing a comprehensive look at the industrial and social infrastructure of the North Bay at the turn of the century.