New Historical Atlas of Sonoma County California

The second county atlas published on the Pacific Coast.

This is a detailed atlas of Sonoma County, California, published by Thomas H. Thompson & Co. in 1877. According to a preface by the publishers, the atlas is the second of its kind attempted on the Pacific Coast and “the irregular surveys and intricate subdivisions of land, combined with its uneven topography, has made it much more difficult and expensive than any other county we have attempted.” Upon examination of the 28 color lithographed maps included in the atlas, it becomes clear that the publishers weren’t stretching the truth.

Topographic detail is provided in hachure while property owners and their often usual plot sizes are noted individually. Most of the maps are “farm maps” on a scale of 40 chains to one inch, which show the early agricultural foundations of one of the today’s most desirable wine counties in the United States. The atlas is also filled with numerous pages of engraved views of private residences, farms, and businesses.

Many late 19th century atlases were sold on a subscription basis to defray the upfront costs of publishing, and in return for patronage an individual or property owner could have an engraving of their choice included in the publication. These included portraits, bird’s eye views, and even images of prize animals.