1959 Map of Walnut Creek

About this map

Concord, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill are shown at a transformative moment of postwar suburban growth in Contra Costa County. While the purple tint indicates the rapid expansion of residential tracts, the landscape still retains significant reminders of its agricultural and early transportation roots, including the route of the Sacramento Northern and the Southern Pacific railroads. Significant institutions like St Mary's College and Diablo Valley College anchor the developing communities. The presence of the Contra Costa Canal and the Naval Weapons Station Concord highlights the intersection of vital regional infrastructure and national defense. Historic land grants are still acknowledged through labels like Arroyo de las Nueces y Bolbones and Cañada del Hambre, marking the transition from ranching heritage to a modern residential hub.