A Pic-Tour Map of San Francisco

“A Birdseye View of the City by the Golden Gate.”

This charming map of San Francisco, California presents an idyllic view of the City by the Golden Gate in the illustrated style typical of the cartographer, Don Bloodgood. In a career spanning over two decades, Bloodgood created numerous maps of popular tourist destinations from across the country. In addition to providing a memorable souvenir for tourists, the maps also provide a snapshot of the cultural composition and self-identity of mid-century America.

This particular example presents a relatively uniform view of the city, though there is a notable discrepancy in density between the waterfront neighborhoods and those further inland. Sixty different attractions are numbered and identified in the accompanying legend. Points of interest, landmarks, and neighborhoods are individually labeled, with highlights including Golden Gate Park, Seal’s Stadium, the Presidio, and Alcatraz Federal Prison. Cartoonish figures engaged in a variety of activities provide an injection of humor and whimsy to the image. A careful balance of geographic accuracy, civic promotion, and artistic license – the hallmark of Bloodgood’s maps.

Drawn by Don Bloodgood and published in San Francisco by H.S. Crocker Co., Inc. in 1952.