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1962 Map of San Jose

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of San Jose
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

The Santa Clara Valley and San Joaquin Valley meet in this expansive mid-century survey, documenting a period of significant infrastructural development across Central California. The landscape is defined by the massive water management systems of the era, including the San Luis Reservoir, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, and the Don Pedro Reservoir, which anchor the foothills of the Diablo Range. This geography is further characterized by the heavy presence of the United States military at Sharpe General Depot and Castle Air Force Base, reflecting the strategic importance of the region during the Cold War.

Industrial and scientific landmarks are well-represented, from the Lick Observatory atop Mount Hamilton to the active mineral extractions like the Moccasin Mine and Alta Mine in the east. The transportation network shows a dense web of Southern Pacific Railroad and Tidewater Southern Railway lines connecting major hubs like Stockton, Modesto, and San Jose. Notable conservation areas such as the Merced National Wildlife Refuge and Stanislaus National Forest provide a stark contrast to the rapidly growing urban centers.