This Guide Map of the City and County of San Francisco, published in 1915 by Baldwin & Howell, highlights the city’s development and expansion during a time of remarkable transformation.
Issued to promote San Francisco as a vibrant and growing metropolis, the map coincided with the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, celebrating the city's recovery and modernization following the 1906 earthquake. It offers a detailed street map of the city and its key features, such as Golden Gate Park, and Presidio Military Reservation, along with a depiction and text about the ambitious Twin Peaks Tunnel project—described as the world’s largest municipal tunnel and expected to revolutionize transit access to the city’s western districts.
The map emphasizes the rapid growth of San Francisco, supported by statistics on population, business development, and transportation infrastructure. The Twin Peaks Tunnel, shown prominently, symbolizes the city’s forward-thinking urban planning. Its completion, planned for 1916, was set to connect outlying areas with the city center, opening new opportunities for residential development in previously hard-to-access neighborhoods.
On the verso, Baldwin & Howell include extensive advertising for various real estate developments in San Francisco and nearby areas. Balboa Terrace, located near St. Francis Wood, is promoted as a new residential neighborhood offering modern homes with a focus on quality and comfort. The adjoining Presidio Terrace caters to affluent buyers, emphasizing its exclusivity, spacious lots, and proximity to the Presidio. Similarly, St. Francis Wood is marketed as an upscale residential park, designed as a planned community with beautifully landscaped streets and architecturally distinctive homes.
In addition to these neighborhoods within San Francisco, the verso highlights suburban developments in the surrounding region. Pullman Park, located in the Richmond District, offers affordable housing with convenient access to transit, appealing to middle-class families. Stockton Acres, in Stockton, California, represents a more rural option for those seeking larger plots of land at reasonable prices, combining country living with modern conveniences. San Mateo Park and Hayward Park are showcased as suburban escapes with easy rail access to the city, promoting a blend of natural beauty and proximity to urban amenities.