1954 Map of Petaluma River

About this map

The Petaluma River serves as the central artery for this mid-century landscape, winding through a complex network of marshes and sloughs between the Sonoma Mts and Burdell Mtn. Along its western banks, the Northwestern Pacific railroad corridor connects the industrial and agricultural hub of Petaluma with southern outposts like McNear and Haystack. The map records a critical interface of land and water, where tidal channels like Schultz Slough and Donahue Slough define landforms such as Neils Island and Hog Island. While the northern reaches show urban expansion around the Petaluma city boundary, the southern section remains dominated by tidal flats and specialized features like Gnoss Field and the Lakeville Sch. This survey documents the era before modern development intensified, preserving the locations of local landmarks such as the Rock Quarry and the historic San Antonio Grant Bdy.