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1953 Map of Pasadena

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Pasadena
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

The San Rafael Hills and Verdugo Mts provide a rugged green frame for the rapid postwar suburban expansion of the Los Angeles basin. In the early 1950s, the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains show a dense network of residential growth connecting La Cañada, Flintridge, and Altadena. This era marks the prominence of major technical and educational institutions, most notably the Jet Propulsion Laboratory situated near the Arroyo Seco, alongside the Calif Institute of Technology and Occidental College.

Cultural and civic life is anchored by established landmarks such as Descanso Gardens and the Oakmont Country Club. The map reveals the intricate drainage system of the region, from the Devils Gate Dam to numerous named canyons like Pickens Canyon and Las Flores Canyon. Transportation is dominated by major thoroughfares including Foothill Blvd and Colorado Blvd, while the Southern Pacific and Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroads continue to serve the industrial and commuter needs of Pasadena and Glendale.