San Francisco and Vicinity issued by the Southern Pacific

This marvelously detailed map of San Francisco was copyrighted in 1914 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and printed in Buffalo by the Matthews-Northrup Works. A vibrant street plan captures the city on the cusp of hosting the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, a World’s Fair celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal (while also serving as a chance to showcase the recovery from the 1906 Earthquake). The grounds of the fair are brightly highlighted in red, between the Presidio and Fort Mason. In a similar hue are the railway and ferry lines operated by the Southern Pacific (the latter culminated at the iconic Ferry Building), with convenient access to the entire city via the robust network of streetcar lines. Other features of interest include Golden Gate Park, the Sutro Baths and Museum, Ewing Field, and the San Francisco Golf and Country Club. An inset in the upper right highlights the Southern Pacific routes across the Bay Area. The lower right contains a comprehensive index pinpointing important institutions and buildings – over 150 in total. Text on the verso describes San Francisco – The Wonder City, What to See [and] How to See It.”