1920 Map of Bonita Ranch

About this map

The Fresno River meanders through this agricultural landscape just after the First World War, defining the character of central Madera County. The era is marked by significant hydraulic development, as seen by the concentration of water infrastructure like the Artesian Well and numerous irrigation points near Bonita Ranch. The transition of the land from open range to organized utility is evidenced by the presence of the San Joaquin Light and Power Company and established landholdings such as Rattlesnake Ranch. To the south, Cottonwood Creek flows through the alluvial plain, while the ephemeral Dry Creek cuts across the northern reaches, illustrating the seasonal water management required for the region's early 20th-century growth.