{"product_id":"old-map-of-los-angeles-california-by-usgs-1928-hollywood-pasadena-griffith-park","title":"Old Map of Los Angeles, California by USGS, 1928 – Hollywood, Pasadena \u0026 Griffith Park","description":"\u003cp\u003eTitled simply “Los Angeles,” this 1928 United States Geological Survey map captures the city at one of the most consequential moments in its transformation from regional center to modern metropolis. Prepared at the detailed 1:24,000 topographical scale, it brings together the scientific precision of federal surveying with the drama of a fast-expanding urban landscape. The USGS, established to study and map the nation’s terrain, resources, and natural hazards, was uniquely suited to record Los Angeles as both a physical environment and an engineered city. Here, streets, railways, parks, waterways, hills, and dense settlement patterns are rendered with clarity, offering a richly layered view of Southern California before the full arrival of freeway culture and postwar sprawl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe map’s design is especially compelling for the way it balances civic order with rugged terrain. A tight urban grid spreads across Downtown Los Angeles, Westlake, Chinatown, Echo Park, Silver Lake, and Hollywood, while contour lines gather and bend around the surrounding hills, canyons, and parklands. These elevation markings reveal the basin’s distinctive topography: broad, comparatively level developed districts giving way to the Verdugo Mountains, Laurel Canyon, Elysian Park, and Griffith Park. The restrained USGS color scheme emphasizes landform and drainage without overwhelming the eye, allowing major streets such as Sunset Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Telegraph Road to emerge as structural lines in the city’s expanding geography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, the map belongs to a pivotal decade in Los Angeles history. By 1928, the city had already experienced extraordinary population growth, fueled by oil, real estate development, cinema, rail connections, and the powerful mythology of Southern California climate and opportunity. Downtown Los Angeles appears as the civic and commercial heart, with landmarks such as Los Angeles City Hall and the University of Southern California anchoring the urban fabric. Surrounding districts show the outward spread of residential development into neighborhoods that were rapidly gaining distinct identities. The map therefore documents not merely where Los Angeles stood, but how it was organizing itself—through boulevards, rail corridors, subdivisions, parks, and institutional centers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surrounding place names evoke a city still intimately connected to its landscape. Hollywood appears not simply as a name associated with motion pictures, but as a district set against hills and canyons that shaped its growth. Silver Lake, Echo Park, MacArthur Park, and Elysian Park punctuate the dense urban pattern with water, open space, and relief. Griffith Park dominates the northern portion as a vast municipal landscape, with the future site of Griffith Observatory lying within a terrain already central to the city’s identity. Pasadena and Burbank situate Los Angeles within a wider metropolitan region, while waterways such as the San Antonio River recall the hydrological systems that underpinned settlement, agriculture, and later urban control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransportation is one of the map’s most revealing themes. The Southern Pacific Railroad and Pacific Electric Railway trace the arteries of an earlier Los Angeles, before automobiles and freeways became the defining symbols of movement. These rail lines, together with the major boulevards, show how the city’s neighborhoods and neighboring towns were knitted into a broader regional network. The map is therefore invaluable for understanding land use, commuting patterns, and the early infrastructure of metropolitan growth. Seen today, this 1928 USGS view offers a precise and evocative portrait of Los Angeles on the threshold of modernity: already ambitious, already sprawling, yet still legible as a city shaped by hills, rails, parks, and boulevards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLos Angeles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePasadena\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSan Antonio River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerdugo Mountains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHollywood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEcho Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver Lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWestlake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChinatown\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGriffith Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDowntown Los Angeles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLaurel Canyon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBurbank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eL.A. State Historic Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSunset Boulevard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWilshire Boulevard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSanta Monica Boulevard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTelegraph Road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLos Angeles City Hall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGriffith Observatory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUniversity of Southern California \/ USC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElysian Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMacArthur Park\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSouthern Pacific Railroad\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePacific Electric Railway\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the United States Geological Survey \/ USGS.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:24,000 topographical map of Los Angeles, California and the surrounding area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreated in 1928.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe USGS is a scientific agency of the U.S. government, responsible for studying and mapping the natural resources and natural hazards of the United States.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShows Los Angeles during a period of rapid early 20th-century growth, as it transitioned from a smaller settlement into a booming metropolis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresents a detailed grid of the city layout, including surrounding neighborhoods, prominent streets, and topographical features.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses contour lines to indicate elevation changes across flat urban areas and surrounding hills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures a color scheme designed to highlight topographical features.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides insight into urban development, land use, growth patterns, and infrastructure changes in Los Angeles during a pivotal period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/de\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/de\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/de\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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 \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/de\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760851423616,"sku":null,"price":366.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760851456384,"sku":null,"price":983.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760851489152,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760851521920,"sku":null,"price":366.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760851554688,"sku":null,"price":983.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760851587456,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760851620224,"sku":null,"price":590.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760851652992,"sku":null,"price":1311.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760851685760,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760851718528,"sku":null,"price":684.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760851751296,"sku":null,"price":1498.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760851784064,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760851816832,"sku":null,"price":777.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760851849600,"sku":null,"price":2247.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760851882368,"sku":null,"price":2528.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760851915136,"sku":null,"price":684.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760851947904,"sku":null,"price":1498.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760851980672,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760852013440,"sku":null,"price":824.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760852046208,"sku":null,"price":2247.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x30in (60x75cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760852078976,"sku":null,"price":2528.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760852111744,"sku":null,"price":824.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760852144512,"sku":null,"price":2247.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760852177280,"sku":null,"price":2528.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760852210048,"sku":null,"price":1077.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760852242816,"sku":null,"price":3090.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760852275584,"sku":null,"price":3090.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760852308352,"sku":null,"price":1077.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760852341120,"sku":null,"price":3090.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"32x40in (80x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760852373888,"sku":null,"price":3090.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760852406656,"sku":null,"price":1545.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760852439424,"sku":null,"price":7162.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760852472192,"sku":null,"price":6740.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760852504960,"sku":null,"price":2341.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760852537728,"sku":null,"price":8706.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"40x50in (100x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760852570496,"sku":null,"price":8191.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760852603264,"sku":null,"price":2856.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760852636032,"sku":null,"price":13106.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"48x60in (120x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760852668800,"sku":null,"price":12170.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":58760852701568,"sku":null,"price":5289.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":58760852734336,"sku":null,"price":18488.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"56x70in (142x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":58760852767104,"sku":null,"price":17552.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_b2c611c1-ec84-4737-9515-e3cff8c9bc50.jpg?v=1787525557","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.co\/de\/products\/old-map-of-los-angeles-california-by-usgs-1928-hollywood-pasadena-griffith-park","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}