1954 Map of Petaluma Creek

About this map

The winding Petaluma Creek and its complex network of tidal wetlands define this mid-century survey of the Sonoma and Marin border. While the city of Petaluma anchors the northwestern corner, much of the landscape is dominated by the reclaimed marshes of the Petaluma Valley, where an intricate system of levees protects agricultural land. The Northwestern Pacific railroad corridor follows the valley floor, passing through small stops and settlements like McNear, Haystack, and Burdell. In the upland areas, prominent landmarks such as Burdell Mtn and the Petaluma Mts rise above the alluvial plain. The map captures a moment when traditional land uses, represented by numerous windmills and the Lakeville School, coexist with newer developments like the Marin County Airport. The dense web of named waterways, including Schultz, Mud, and Black John Slough, provides a detailed record of the historic estuarine environment.