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1956 Map of Coalinga

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Coalinga
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1958
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1958

About this map

Coalinga stands as a hub of mid-century industrial activity, dominated by the extensive Coalinga Oil Field and Jacalitos Oil Field that flank the town. The landscape is a network of oil tanks, oil reservoirs, and pumping stations, illustrating the region's reliance on petroleum production. Beyond the drilling sites, the town center features essential civic structures like the Jr College and a cemetery, while entertainment is found at the Drive-in Theater and Coalinga Sulphur Baths.

The surrounding hills, including the Alcalde Hills and Jacalitos Hills, are dotted with family-named outposts such as the Alcalde Ranch and Johnson Ranch. These rural holdings contrast with the organized grid of the town and the Southern Pacific railroad lines that facilitated transport. The presence of several cabins, like Douglas Cabin and Pate Cabin, suggests a persistent ranching or prospecting life in the higher elevations of Coalinga Ridge.