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1956 Map of San Jose

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of San Jose
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1956
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1956

About this map

The Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains frame this mid-century look at Central California, where the agricultural heart of the Santa Clara Valley meets the rising urban centers of San Jose and Stockton. The map traces the industrial and logistical backbone of the era, from the heavy rail lines of the Southern Pacific and Western Pacific to the strategic presence of Castle AFB in the Central Valley.

Beyond the valley floors, the geography transitions into the Gold Country foothills, capturing historic Mother Lode settlements like Tuttletown, Chinese Camp, and Jamestown before reaching the high elevations of Stanislaus National Forest. The extensive reservoir system, including Calaveras Reservoir and Guadalupe Reservoir, reflects the massive mid-century water management efforts required to sustain both the growing coastal cities and the intensive irrigation of the Joaquin River basin.