Published in 1945, the United States Geological Survey’s “Calistoga” presents a richly detailed topographical portrait of one of Northern California’s most geologically expressive landscapes. Centered on the town of Calistoga at the northern end of Napa Valley, the map captures a region famed for hot springs, mineral waters, vineyards, and the dramatic presence of Mount St. Helena. At a scale of 1:62,500, it balances broad regional context with precise local observation, tracing roads, waterways, settlements, and relief with the disciplined clarity characteristic of USGS cartography. The muted palette and careful contouring reveal a landscape shaped by volcanic forces, erosion, and human settlement, offering a fascinating mid-twentieth-century view of a place now synonymous with wine country luxury and geothermal curiosity.

The mapmaker, the United States Geological Survey, was by 1945 already one of the world’s most respected scientific mapping institutions. Founded in 1879, the USGS undertook the systematic survey of the American landscape, producing maps that served engineers, geologists, foresters, soldiers, planners, and travelers alike. This Calistoga sheet reflects that mission: it is not merely a guide to location, but an analytical rendering of terrain. Contour lines measure the rise and fall of ridges and valleys, while shading and color differentiate the complex topography surrounding Napa County’s northern reaches. Such maps were essential tools in an era when road building, water management, agricultural development, and resource assessment increasingly depended on accurate geographic knowledge.

Calistoga itself occupies a historically distinctive place within the map’s composition. Known for its hot springs and resorts, the town grew around geothermal activity that had long attracted Indigenous peoples, settlers, and visitors seeking the therapeutic reputation of mineral waters. Nearby Old Faithful Geyser, one of California’s most unusual natural attractions, belongs to the same volcanic system that gives the area its springs and fumaroles. The map’s attention to elevation makes clear why this landscape feels so enclosed and dramatic: Calistoga sits in a valley basin framed by rising slopes, wooded hills, and rugged uplands. Roads such as Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail hint at the routes by which travelers entered this secluded yet celebrated corner of Napa Valley.

Mount St. Helena dominates the surrounding geography, and the map’s contour lines beautifully express its mass, height, and influence over the region. The mountain, a volcanic peak long used as a landmark, anchors the northern Napa landscape and connects the area visually and geologically to the Coast Ranges. Water features such as the Napa River and Lake Hennessey help define the hydrological character of the sheet, while smaller creeks and drainage patterns show how the terrain channels water through valleys and ravines. Wooded areas, trails, dotted roads, and scattered rural communities speak to a landscape that in 1945 remained deeply tied to ranching, agriculture, timber, recreation, and the gradual expansion of automobile-era access.

As a historical document, this 1945 Calistoga map offers a compelling snapshot of Napa County before the full transformation of the region into an internationally renowned wine and tourism destination. Its roads, settlement patterns, open lands, and topographical annotations invite comparison with the modern landscape of vineyards, resorts, estates, and conservation areas. The map is especially evocative because it records not only where things were, but how the land itself shaped human choices: towns clustered in accessible valleys, roads followed ridges and river corridors, and hot springs emerged as destinations because of deep geological forces. Elegant, precise, and quietly atmospheric, it captures Calistoga at the intersection of science, scenery, and California history.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Calistoga, California
• Napa River
• Mount St. Helena
• Old Faithful Geyser
• Lake Hennessey
• Anderson Valley
• Calistoga Hot Springs
• Highway 29
• Silverado Trail
• Nearby towns or unincorporated communities
• Parks and wooded areas
• Trails and possible roads indicated by dotted lines

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the United States Geological Survey, this historical 1:62,500 topographical map shows Calistoga, California and the surrounding area.
• The map is dated 1945.
• The United States Geological Survey is a U.S. federal agency responsible for mapping and monitoring natural resources and natural hazards.
• The map features contour lines indicating elevation, with shading used to depict relief.
• A muted color palette helps communicate varied terrain and elevation.
• The map illustrates the mountainous landscape surrounding Calistoga.
• It captures topographical details from 1945, allowing comparison with later geographical changes such as urban development and changes in land use.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.