1959 Map of Caliente Mountain

About this map

Soda Lake and the arid expanse of the Carrizo Plain define the northern half of this mid-century survey, a landscape of seasonal alkaline basins and scattered cattle operations. The map documents a transition from the traditional ranching economy, represented by the Chimineas Ranch, Painted Rock Ranch, and Goodwin Ranch, to the industrial extraction along the Cuyama River. This southern corridor is heavily marked by the expansion of petroleum infrastructure, including the Russel Ranch Oil Field, Morales Canyon Oil Field, and Government Oil Field. Large land grants are still recognized in the terrain, such as the lands of the heirs of Cesario Lataillade. The survey also tracks several historic water sources vital for survival in this rain-shadow environment, such as Black Sulphur Spring and Five Willow Spring.