San Francisco Residential Security Map, 1937

San Francisco Residential Security Map, 1937

1937 street map of San Francisco (which also shows streetcar and trolley bus lines at the time) was color coded by the Federal Government's Home Owners' Loan Corporation to indicate various levels of perceived risk to property value. These maps, drawn up for cities across the country, are associated with the practice of redlining -- denying home loans to certain neighborhoods, particularly those dominated by disfavored ethnic groups.

MORE:

San Francisco LocalWiki "editathon" on the topic of gentrification

Hoodline: A History of Redlining in San Francisco Neighborhoods

Redlining in Philadelphia

Residential Security Maps for Ohio cities

Home Owners' Loan Corporation: A brochure explaining the purpose and scope of the HOLC. The brochure estimates the total home mortgage debt as $20 billion. HOLC was given $200 million in cash to finance $2 billion in bonds to assist owners of homes worth less than $20,000. Oklahoma had HOLC offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Slate: Where to find historical redlining maps of your city

High-res scans of HOLC Residential Security Maps from the late '30s: Also a good source for pre-urban renewal street locations.

National Archives online HOLC maps

National Archives: City Survey Files, 1935 - 1940. Federal Loan Agency. Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Home Owners' Loan Corporation. (07/01/1939 - 02/24/1942) (catalog record only)