This is one of the first and rarest maps of San Diego, published in 1876 by Eli Sheldon Glover, when the city had a population of about 4,000 people.
The 'eye' of the map sits roughly on Cortez Hill, looking southwest over the city towards the bay. All of the original lettered and numbered streets of downtown San Diego can be clearly seen on this map - they're still where they were laid down, almost 150 years ago.
Rather handily, across the bottom of the map there is a key that will help you identify 24 city landmarks, including City Hall, a bunch of churches, and more.
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x18 inches (30x45cm), 18x24 inches (45x60cm) and 24x36 inches (60x90cm), but it looks even better when printed large. I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 120 inches (310cm) wide. Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 36x24 inch (90x60cm) version of this map.
The map shows, roughly, Downtown San Diego, East Village, Smart Corner, Core-Columbia, Gaslamp Quarter, Pacific Terrace, and the waterfront. Obviously, San Diego has expanded a bit now!
There's an intense level of detail on this map, down to individual sheds next to houses. Sheldon Glover would go on to be recognised as one of the finest birds eye map makers of his time.
Take a look at the detailed images and try to spot your house or street! Feel free to message me if you want to confirm if a certain street or landmark is on the map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, housewarming or Christmas gift for someone from San Diego or who has southern Cali in their heart.
You can order the map itself, or you can order a framed version. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that really makes the map pop out when on a wall. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame. I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) in my frames - it's less reflective than glass and better for transport.