1900 Map of Pasadena

About this map

Pasadena and the burgeoning towns of the San Gabriel Valley are depicted at a pivotal moment of expansion following the late 19th-century land boom. This survey, based on work by L.C.Fletcher and T.G.Gerdine, captures the early development of Altadena, South Pasadena, and Sierra Madre before the intense urbanization of the later 20th century. The landscape is defined by the sharp transition from the steep peaks of the Angelles National Forest, including Mt. Lowe and Mt. Wilson, to the alluvial plains below. Iconic luxury tourism of the era is remarkably preserved through labels for the Echo Mountain Mt. Lowe Hotel, the Raymond Hotel, and the Sierra Madre Hotel. The intricate rail network of the Southern Pacific R. R. and the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe R. R. weaves through established rancho boundaries like San Pasqual and Santa Anita, showing how transportation corridors dictated the growth of early Los Angeles suburbs.