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1961 Map of Berenda

Name: 1961 Topographic Map of Berenda
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

The Southern Pacific and Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroads anchor this San Joaquin Valley landscape, following parallel paths through the communities of Fairmead, Berenda, and Sharon. The mapping, updated with 1981 revisions, reveals a complex agricultural network of canals and laterals, including Califa Lateral A and the Aqueduct, which support the grid-based development of numbered avenues. Local social and civic life is centered around landmarks like the Dixieland School, Grange Hall, and the County Fairgrounds, illustrating the region's mid-century transition as small settlements supported the irrigation-heavy farming economy.

Water management is prominent across the terrain, with features such as Berenda Slough and Berenda Creek intersecting the strictly organized road system. Industrial and logistical elements are also visible, including several siphons, Storage Bins, and a small Airstrip, providing a detailed look at the infrastructure necessary for both rail transport and large-scale agriculture in this part of California.