Rare Old Pictorial Map of California by De Foy, 1938: LA, SF, Redwood Trees, Vineyards, China Clipper

The "Untitled Pictorial Map of California," crafted by the esteemed illustrator Francis De Foy in 1938, offers a captivating glimpse into the Golden State's rich tapestry of natural and cultural wealth. Commissioned by the Bank of America, this map was part of a series designed to promote the Golden Gate International Exposition and encourage tourism. De Foy's artistry shines through in this softly colored, bird's eye view of California, which stretches from the coastal charm of Crescent City to the sun-drenched allure of San Diego. The map's intricate details and vibrant illustrations capture the essence of California's diverse landscapes and thriving industries during the late 1930s.

Francis De Foy, renowned for his pictorial mapmaking, masterfully blends artistic flair with geographical precision. His work on this map is a testament to his ability to weave together complex narratives through visual storytelling. The map is adorned with pictographs that depict the state's bustling activities, from the verdant vineyards and citrus groves to the industrious mining and logging operations. Each illustration is meticulously placed, offering a vivid portrayal of California's economic and cultural vibrancy during a pivotal era in its history.

The map's design is both aesthetically pleasing and informative, showcasing California's natural resources and attractions. Majestic redwood trees and imposing mountain ranges dominate the landscape, while the Pacific Ocean teems with maritime activity, including the iconic China Clipper flying into the Bay Area. These elements not only highlight the state's geographical diversity but also its significance as a hub of innovation and exploration. The map serves as a visual journey through California's multifaceted identity, celebrating its role as a land of opportunity and adventure.

In addition to its natural wonders, the map features a plethora of cities and towns, each contributing to the state's dynamic character. From the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles to the historic charm of San Francisco, the map captures the essence of urban life in California. Smaller towns and rural areas are also depicted, reflecting the state's agricultural prowess and community spirit. This comprehensive representation of settlements underscores the interconnectedness of California's diverse regions and the shared aspirations of its inhabitants.

Historically, this map holds significant value as a reflection of California's growth and development during the late 1930s. It provides a snapshot of a state on the cusp of transformation, poised to become a global leader in industry, culture, and innovation. The map not only serves as a testament to California's past but also as an enduring symbol of its enduring allure and promise. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this map is a cherished piece of history, offering a window into the vibrant tapestry of a bygone era.

Cities and towns on this map

• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• San Jose
• Fresno
• Sacramento
• Long Beach
• Oakland
• Bakersfield
• Anaheim
• Santa Ana
• Riverside
• Stockton
• Chula Vista
• Irvine
• Fremont
• San Bernardino
• Modesto
• Oxnard
• Fontana
• Moreno Valley
• Huntington Beach
• Glendale
• Santa Clarita
• Garden Grove
• Oceanside
• Rancho Cucamonga
• Santa Rosa
• Ontario
• Elk Grove
• Corona
• Lancaster
• Palmdale
• Salinas
• Hayward
• Pomona
• Escondido
• Sunnyvale
• Torrance
• Pasadena
• Orange
• Fullerton
• Thousand Oaks
• Visalia
• Simi Valley
• Concord
• Roseville
• Victorville
• Santa Clara
• Vallejo
• Berkeley
• El Monte
• Downey
• Costa Mesa
• Inglewood
• Carlsbad
• San Buenaventura (Ventura)
• Fairfield
• West Covina
• Murrieta
• Richmond
• Norwalk
• Antioch
• Temecula
• Burbank
• Daly City
• Redding
• Santa Maria
• El Cajon
• San Mateo
• Clovis
• Compton
• Jurupa Valley
• Vista
• South Gate
• Mission Viejo
• Vacaville
• Carson
• Hesperia
• Santa Monica
• Westminster
• Santa Barbara
• Chico
• Whittier
• Newport Beach
• San Leandro
• Hawthorne
• San Marcos
• Citrus Heights
• Alhambra
• Tracy
• Livermore
• Buena Park
• Menifee
• Hemet
• Lakewood
• Merced
• Chino
• Indio
• Redlands
• Tustin
• Baldwin Park
• Mountain View
• Chino Hills
• Alameda
• Upland
• Folsom
• San Ramon
• Pleasanton
• Lynwood
• Union City
• Apple Valley
• Redondo Beach
• Turlock
• Perris
• Manteca
• Milpitas

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Natural landmarks:
• Redwood trees
• Mountain ranges
• Agricultural features:
• Vineyards
• Citrus groves
• Transportation:
• The China Clipper flying into the Bay Area
• Cultural and economic activities:
• Mining operations
• Oil wells
• Fishing
• Logging
• Tourist attractions:
• Beaches
• Scenic views

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1938
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Francis De Foy, published by the Bank of America
• Purpose: Promote the Golden Gate International Exposition and encourage tourism
• Themes: Natural, agricultural, and manufacturing resources
• Design/Style: Softly colored pictorial map with a bird's eye view
• Historical significance: Reflects California's economic and cultural landscape in the late 1930s

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.