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1954 Map of Santa Rosa

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Santa Rosa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

Santa Rosa serves as the focal point of this mid-century landscape, positioned at the crossroads of the Northwestern Pacific railroad and a developing network of local roads like Sonoma Ave. The map illustrates the city's post-war expansion, with numerous new residential blocks and schools such as Steele Lane Sch and Herbert Slater Jr High Sch appearing alongside established landmarks like the Luther Burbank Gardens and the County Fairgrounds. To the east, the transition from urban density to the foothills of Taylor Mtn and Bennett Mtn is marked by water features including Lake Ralphine and several reservoirs.

Genealogists and local historians can trace the community's social infrastructure through the presence of the County Hospital, Hillcrest Detention Home, and multiple burial grounds including the Rural Cemetery and Calvary Cemetery. The proximity of the Natl Guard Armory and the Veterans Mem Auditorium reflects the era's civic priorities. While the city grows, agricultural vestiges remain visible in the outlying Santa Rosa Valley, where a Winery and open springs like Kawana Springs persist amid the encroaching suburban footprint.