1915 Map of San Mateo

About this map

San Francisco Bay shorelines and the rugged spine of the peninsula dominate this landscape, reflecting a region in the midst of rapid transit-led expansion. The Southern Pacific RR and Southern Pacific Interurban lines create a corridor of growth from South San Francisco down through San Mateo, connecting early commuter settlements. In the interior, the massive infrastructure of the Spring Valley Ridge is evident in the chain of reservoirs including San Andreas Lake and Upper Crystal Springs Lake, held by the Crystal Springs Dam. Along the Pacific coast, small seaside outposts like Moss Beach and Montara sit isolated near the treacherous Devils Slide, while the northern portion of the peninsula shows the early footprint of San Francisco's southern districts, featuring the Alms House, Industrial School, and the Chinese Cem near Colma.