1915 "San Francisco City and County" Hanging Map by W. Bashford Smith

Presented is a rare wall map of San Francisco by W. Bashford Smith. Published in San Francisco in 1915, this map indicates streets and city districts, and, most notably, shows the site of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, with a smaller guide to "Exhibit Palaces." The map is printed in black and white and is surrounded by a large index of city street names. Based on OCLC records, this map was issued in at least two sizes: a smaller sheet map and a larger wall map on rollers, as seen here.

In 1915, San Francisco hosted the world's fair called the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The expansive fair stretched along two and a half miles of waterfront property. The fair celebrated a great American achievement– the triumphant completion of the Panama Canal. It also highlighted San Francisco’s grandeur and successful rebuild after the terrible earthquake of 1906. Nine years earlier, San Francisco experienced one of the worst national disasters to date– a 7.9 magnitude earthquake and resulting fires that destroyed over 80% of the city. The city overcame great challenges to rebuild and welcome the world by the time the Exposition opened in 1915. 

Between February and December 1915, over 18 million people visited the fair. Fairgoers  attended scientific and educational presentations, explored international pavilions, and enjoyed displays of advancements in science, art, racing, and technology. The Panama-Pacific International Exposition was the first world’s fair to demonstrate a transcontinental telephone call, to promote wireless telegraphy, and to endorse the use of the automobile. 

CONDITION: 

Very good condition. Wall map, printed in black and white, on wooden rollers.Paper is healthy. Light toning. Creasing to margins, from past use and storage as a rolled map. Scattered tiny black spots, contained mostly to the index and outer margins. 

Map has been artfully mounted, hanging, inside a custom wooden frame, with linen mats, and UV Plexiglas. Framed Dimensions: 39 1/2" H x 45 1/2" W x 3 1/4" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.