Historical Urban Atlas: 1900 to 2012: California Map

  • Table of Contents
  • Methodology
  • map showing California cities 1900-2012

    California's cities grew in the second half of the 20th century as migrants moved from other parts of the United States, attracted by climate and jobs. Los Angeles became a center of cinema, higher education and the aircraft industry. The San Francisco metropolitan area became a center of higher education and technology that served war and internet commerce. San Diego grew as a military port for both ships and aircraft.