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1922 Map of Delta Ranch

Name: 1922 Topographic Map of Delta Ranch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1933
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1933

About this map

San Joaquin River hydrology dominates this Merced County landscape, where the intricate drainage of San Jon de Santa Rita defines the agricultural and ranching patterns of the early 20th century. The map illustrates a transitional period when the vast land holdings were segmented into specific operations like Delta Ranch, Midway Ranch, and Arroyo Farm. The hydraulic complexity of the region is evident in the winding courses of Pick Anderson Slough, Santa Rita Slough, and Poso Slough, which interact with a developing network of irrigation and transport.

Transportation infrastructure reflects the shifting economy, with the Southern Pacific line and the Old Sante Fe Grade cutting across the southwestern terrain. The primary connection between regional hubs is the Los Banos and Merced Road, which provides the central east-west axis for local commerce. Smaller landmarks like Lone Tree Camp and the settlement at San Juan provide key points of reference for genealogists and local historians tracing the early development of this fertile valley floor.