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1946 Map of Firebaugh

Name: 1946 Topographic Map of Firebaugh
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

The San Joaquin River meanders through the heart of the Central Valley in this mid-century survey, defining the industrial and agricultural character of the region. The map captures a critical period of hydraulic engineering, featuring the Mendota Dam and an extensive network of irrigation infrastructure including the Delta-Mendota Canal, Main Canal, and Outside Canal. These waterways, alongside the Fresno Slough and Lone Willow Slough, illustrate the intensive transformation of the landscape to support the burgeoning ranching economy seen at Helm Ranch and Mowry Ranch.

Transportation is anchored by the Southern Pacific railroad, which links the primary settlements of Firebaugh and Mendota. Smaller siding settlements and stops like Arbios, Benito, and Cromir are clearly marked, providing valuable data for genealogists tracing local labor and transit history. The presence of the Raisin City Gun Club and several named sloughs further highlights the historical recreational and natural drainage patterns before modern land leveling altered the terrain.