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1949 Map of Chico

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Chico
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

The Sacramento River defines the western edge of this mid-century survey, a landscape shaped by intricate waterway systems like Angel Slough and the Durham Canal. The city of Chico serves as the regional hub, home to Chico State College and industrial landmarks like the Match Factory at Barber. South of the city, the agricultural character of Butte County is evident through the gridded layout surrounding Durham and the extensive Western Canal network.

Evidence of early river navigation remains through labels for Parrott Landing and the Ord Ferry, while the Southern Pacific railroad corridor anchors the inland transportation route through Stirling Junction and Nelson. Local history is preserved in the location of the Chico Landing (Site) and the sprawling Bidwell Park, illustrating the balance between the growing urban center and the meticulously managed irrigation of the surrounding valley floor.