1954 Map of Burrel

About this map

Burrel and Lanare anchor this Central Valley landscape, where an intricate network of irrigation ditches and sloughs defines the agricultural and industrial character of the mid-20th century. The territory is dominated by water management and energy extraction, featuring the Helm Oil Field and Riverdale Oil Field. Water control is evidenced by structures such as the Stinson Weir and Crescent Weir, which manage the flow of the N Fk Kings River and the complex Fresno Slough system. To the south, the presence of the Lemoore Naval Air Station marks a significant military footprint near the Fresno and Kings County line. The Southern Pacific railroad runs through the northern section, connecting the small settlement of Burrel to the broader regional economy. The map illustrates a transitional period where traditional ranching and farming lands like Laguna De Tache were increasingly integrated into industrial-scale oil production and military aviation.