California 1931 National Forests Shaded Relief Map

We created this map with the illusion of 3D by applying Digital Elevation Data and meticulously adding shaded relief to the landscape of the original 1931 National Forests of California map.

In the early 1930s, conservation awareness was on the rise in the United States, with the establishment of many national parks and forests. In California, there was a noticeable contrast between bustling urban areas and untouched wilderness, making it important for residents and visitors to grasp the geography of these protected spaces. This map focuses on national forests, traveled routes, and major highways to highlight how accessible and interconnected these wild areas are to the state's urban centers.

One remarkable feature of this map is the title cartouche in the upper right corner. It combines precise cartographic design with the artistry of early 20th-century photography. The topography is carefully represented using shading techniques, effectively showcasing the diverse terrains and underscoring the abundant biodiversity found in the forests of California.

The shading is printed on the paper and is not a result of the map protruding from the surface.

Please Note: The text on the map can be difficult to read due to the small font size and the age of the map. In areas where the relief shading covers the text, the underlying text may not be legible. We suggest the largest-size map for better details, though the text may still be covered in the darker areas.

FREE SHIPPING on domestic orders over $49 with UPS ground or USPS to PO Boxes.

• Paper prints ship within 1-2 business days plus transit time.
• Framed Prints ship within 2-3 weeks plus transit time.

Full refund on returns within 30 days of purchase on unframed paper prints. We do NOT ACCEPT returns or exchanges on framed prints or canvas wraps because they are made to order.

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Made in the USA

We consider our maps to be works of art, so we print and frame them accordingly.

Using award-winning printers with gallery quality fine art paper and inks, our maps will exceed expectations and last a lifetime.

• Archival Paper and Inks
• 100% Cotton, OBA-Free, and Acid-Free
• Heavyweight 21.5 mil
• Certified to last 100 years

Read customer reviews HERE attesting to the quality of our prints.

We use real Walnut for our frames, unlike the lesser quality veneer you will typically find elsewhere. With beautiful hardwood grain, each is handmade to order at a professional frame shop.

• 7/8 inch face and 1 1/2 inch depth
• Acrylite glazing (more clear than glass)
• Acid-free backing paper
• Hanging wire installed