1962 Map of San Jose

About this map

The Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains form the topographical backbone of this mid-century survey, which reveals the transition of the Santa Clara Valley and Central Valley before the peak of suburban expansion. From the urban core of San Jose to the agricultural hubs of Modesto and Stockton, the map documents an era of significant infrastructure, including the Delta-Mendota Canal, the California Aqueduct, and the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct. Regional transport relies heavily on a dense network of lines like the Southern Pacific RR and the Western Pacific RR, which serve smaller communities such as Tracy, Livermore, and Gilroy. This 1:250,000 scale map effectively illustrates the complex water management systems and river networks, including the San Joaquin River and Stanislaus River, that sustained the region's diverse economy during the 1960s.