1954 Map of Avenal

About this map

The town of Avenal and the industrial activity of the North Dome oil field anchor this mid-century survey of the Central Valley transition. Situated at the edge of the Kettleman Hills, the landscape is defined by a dense network of energy infrastructure, including an Oil Refinery, Kettleman Station, and numerous pipelines cutting across the ridges. Beyond the industrial hub, the map documents a ranching and agricultural presence with the Weeth Ranch and Starkey and Erwin Ranch positioned along the alluvial fans. The terrain transitions from the alluvial Pleasant Valley and Polvadera Gap into the dissected uplands of the Kreyenhagen Hills. This map captures a period of intensive petroleum development, evidenced by the named arroyos like Arroyo Simada and Arroyo El Perro that drain the prominent topographic features of Elephant Hill and La Luneta.