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1963 Map of Gravelly Ford

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Gravelly Ford
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

The San Joaquin River defines the central geography of this San Joaquin Valley landscape, carving a meandering path that marks the boundary between Madera and Fresno counties. During the early 1960s, the region was characterized by an intensive network of water management, evidenced by the presence of the Gravelly Ford Canal and several sections of abandoned canals. The Gravelly Ford Ranch sits near the river's bend, serving as a primary landmark in a territory largely defined by straight-line section roads and agricultural irrigation.

Further inland, the rural community structure is visible through the placement of the La Vina Sch and Sunset Sch. The land is dotted with Duck Ponds and features like Cottonwood Creek, reflecting the natural hydrology that persisted alongside man-made improvements. This period shows a transition in land use, as indicated by the various named avenues such as Clinton Ave and Shields Ave that begin to organize the valley floor into a modern grid.