1918 Map of Bliss Ranch

About this map

The Chowchilla River and its seasonal drainages define the landscape along the Merced Co Madera Co boundary line during the early twentieth century. This was a period of extensive ranching and nascent water management in the Central Valley, evidenced by the large tracts belonging to the Bliss Ranch and Chowchilla Ranch. The presence of the Baxter Feeding Canal and numerous scattered wells suggests the transition toward more intensive irrigation for agriculture. Long-distance transit is represented by the Merced and Los Banos Road and Lincoln Road, which intersect this open terrain. The topography, surveyed by J.H. LeFeaver and R.M. Wilson, highlights the importance of seasonal watercourses like Ash Creek and Little Ash Creek in an otherwise arid ranching environment.