1926 Map of Burris Park

About this map

The Kings River meanders through this portion of the San Joaquin Valley, shaping a landscape defined by an intricate network of irrigation and drainage. Historically part of the Laguna De Tache grant area, the region shows the transition from natural waterways like Cole Slough and Mussel Slough to an engineered agricultural system. This 1920s environment is interlaced with vital waterworks including the Riverside Ditch, Peoples Ditch, and Lakeland Canal, which supported the early farming communities of Kings, Tulare, and Fresno counties. Local life centers on rural landmarks such as Burris Park and a series of country schoolhouses, including River Bend School, Oakvale School, and Excelsior School. The Southern Pacific Railroad cuts across the northeastern corner, providing a crucial link for the valley's agricultural output during this period of rural development.