Anybody know where I can purchase a map of what SF would have been like during the 1850s? I've seen various ones reproduced in books, but I'd like to have a big wall map of my own, if possible, to refer to during the course of my research.

-- Dorothy (leland@dcn.davis.ca.us), February 24, 1998

Answers

You might try the San Francisco Department of Public Works. I have obtained a 24 x 36 map dated 1913 that shows the entire City, a 11 x 17 1907 map that shows the area affected by the fire and a larger scale map 36 x 48 dated 1886 that shows from 2nd. St. south. I am not sure about the 1850's but it is worth a try.

-- Jim Gallagher (Xfiremar@aol.com), March 13, 1998.

There was a copy of the official 1851 map published in the S.F. Chronicle on June 18, 1905, page 7. This could be copied and blown up at a local copy shop.

-- Ron Filion (rfilion@geocities.com), May 12, 1998.

Thanks again Ron, for another helpful answer. (I for one really appreciate all your efforts on this bulletin board!) Actually, I found what I needed at the UC Davis Library's map room. Got my own personal copy for 15 cents! I continue to be a big fan of the MELVYL system....

-- Dorothy (leland@dcn.davis.ca.us), May 13, 1998.

OK, I suspect that the original requester either already found an 1850's map of San Francisco or no longer need one. The Thomas Brothers store in downtown San Francisco at Jackson and Columbus has copies of the 1852 and 1857 maps of the city for sale.

-- Jonathan Pease (Zancat @msn.com), March 12, 1999.

You will still find for sale at the SF City museum at the Cannery, a map from the twenties with all kinds of local features drawn in cartoon style. Cornball and cheap at the time, historical and relivant now. They have other maps too. A wonderful museum if you haven't seen it.

-- chris verdant (verdant@hooked.net), December 22, 1999.