1962 Map of Bakersfield

About this map

Bakersfield serves as the focal point for this expansive look at the southern San Joaquin Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. The landscape is a study in contrasts, from the intensive agricultural grid and numerous Oil Field sites on the Antelope Plain to the steep rises of the Sierra Nevada and Tehachapi Mountains. The map traces the critical water infrastructure of the era, including the California Aqueduct and Friant-Kern Canal, which supported the region's growth. To the west, the Naval Petroleum Reserve No 1 and Naval Petroleum Reserve No 2 highlight the strategic importance of the area's energy resources. The eastern half is dominated by the wilderness of the Sequoia National Forest, featuring landmarks like Isabella Lake and the high peaks of the Piute Mountains. This 1971 revision captures the valley's mid-century transition as modern highways like U.S. 99 replaced older transport corridors.