Old Map of Treasure Island & the Golden Gate International Exposition1939: Tower of the Sun, Court of the Seven Seas, California Building, Bay Bridge, San Francisco

Step into the vibrant world of the late 1930s with this exquisite pictorial map, “A cartograph of Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay,” masterfully created by Ruth Taylor White in 1939. Commissioned for the Golden Gate International Exposition, this map is a rare and captivating artifact that captures the spirit of a pivotal moment in San Francisco’s history. With its sweeping bird’s-eye view, the map brings to life the newly constructed Treasure Island, a marvel of engineering and ambition, built specifically to host the world’s fair and to showcase the Bay Area’s innovation on a global stage.

Ruth Taylor White’s artistry shines through in every detail, blending whimsical illustrations with precise cartographic information. The waters surrounding Treasure Island teem with sea monsters, whales, boats, and airplanes, each element playfully rendered to evoke the excitement and optimism of the exposition. The map’s lively vignettes and vibrant color palette invite viewers to explore not just the physical space of the fairgrounds, but also the imaginative possibilities of the era. The inclusion of a legend and clearly marked exposition buildings further enhances its value, making it both a navigational tool and a work of art.

Historically, this map stands as a testament to the cultural and architectural achievements of the Golden Gate International Exposition. The exposition grounds, meticulously depicted, highlight significant landmarks such as the Tower of the Sun, the Court of the Seven Seas, and the California Building. These structures, many of which were temporary yet grand in scale, represented the aspirations of a city emerging from the Great Depression and looking toward a brighter, interconnected future. The map also features the iconic Bay Bridge, linking San Francisco to Treasure Island and symbolizing the city’s role as a gateway to the Pacific.

Beyond its immediate function as a guide for fairgoers, the map offers a fascinating glimpse into the urban landscape of San Francisco at the dawn of World War II. The city’s waterfront, bustling ferry terminals, and the meticulously planned exposition pavilions all reflect the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity. The inclusion of recreational areas, gardens, and thematic illustrations underscores the fair’s international scope and its celebration of progress, culture, and community.

Collectors and historians alike will appreciate the map’s unique blend of artistic flair and documentary precision. As both a historical artifact and a piece of visual storytelling, it encapsulates the optimism, creativity, and cosmopolitan energy of San Francisco in 1939. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or studied for its rich detail, this map offers an immersive journey into a defining chapter of the city’s past, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of fine historical cartography.

Places on this map

• Treasure Island
• San Francisco (city)
• Golden Gate International Exposition grounds
• Bay Bridge (San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge)
• Administration Building (on Treasure Island)
• Hall of Transportation (on Treasure Island)
• Court of the Seven Seas (on Treasure Island)
• Tower of the Sun (on Treasure Island)
• California Building (on Treasure Island)
• Federal Building (on Treasure Island)
• Palace of Fine and Decorative Arts (on Treasure Island)
• Aviation Building (on Treasure Island)
• Main Entrance (to the exposition grounds)
• Ferry Terminal (on Treasure Island)
• Yacht Harbor (adjacent to Treasure Island)
• Gardens and recreational areas (on Treasure Island)
• San Francisco waterfront (Embarcadero area)
• Ferry routes between San Francisco and Treasure Island
• Airfield or aviation area (on Treasure Island)
• Exposition pavilions and exhibit halls (various, on Treasure Island)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The exposition grounds, with clearly marked buildings and pavilions
• A legend identifying key exposition buildings and features
• San Francisco cityscape in the foreground, including recognizable landmarks
• Whimsical illustrations of sea monsters in the waters around Treasure Island
• Whales and other marine life depicted in the bay
• Boats and ships navigating the waters around the island
• Airplanes flying above the exposition, emphasizing the modernity of the event
• Bridges connecting San Francisco to the island (including the Bay Bridge)
• Decorative compass rose or orientation marker
• Artistic border with thematic motifs related to the exposition
• Pathways and roads clearly marked on Treasure Island
• Flags and banners indicating the festive nature of the event
• Notations or labels for significant exposition buildings
• Illustrations of crowds or visitors attending the fair
• Thematic illustrations reflecting the international scope of the exposition
• Colorful, stylized representations of water and land
• Explanatory text or callouts providing context for certain features
• Prominent display of the year "1939" and the exposition's title

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: A cartograph of Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay
• Mapmaker: Ruth Taylor White, a noted American pictorial cartographer known for her colorful, whimsical, and highly detailed maps
• Date of creation: 1939
• Publisher: Crocker Company, San Francisco
• Created for the Golden Gate International Exposition, a World's Fair held on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay in 1939
• Birds-eye view pictorial map, richly illustrated with vibrant and whimsical elements
• Part of a guide book with an art-deco cover, reflecting the aesthetics of the late 1930s
• Includes a legend identifying various exposition buildings and features, enhancing its utility for visitors and historians
• Captures the grandeur and spirit of the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, a major cultural and architectural event in San Francisco’s history
• Highlights the exposition grounds, architectural features, recreational activities, and the festive atmosphere of the World's Fair
• Served both as a navigation tool for exposition attendees and as a historical artifact documenting the event
• Treasure Island was constructed specifically for the exposition, symbolizing innovation and progress in the Bay Area
• Reflects the optimism and enthusiasm of late 1930s America, particularly in the context of international expositions
• Ruth Taylor White was known for her ability to capture the essence of a place through both cartographic detail and artistic embellishment
• The map remains a valuable resource for historians, collectors, and those interested in the history of San Francisco and World's Fairs

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 70in (180cm). 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.

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.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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

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

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.