1963 Map of Gravelly Ford

About this map

The San Joaquin River snakes through the heart of this Central Valley landscape, defining the boundary between Madera and Fresno counties. This 1963 survey captures a highly managed agricultural environment, where a grid of rural avenues like Avenue 8 and Clinton Ave segments the land into large tracts serviced by numerous wells and gas wells. The presence of the Gravelly Ford Canal (Abandoned) suggests shifting water management priorities in the mid-20th century, even as the Herndon Canal and Cottonwood Creek continue to influence the local hydrology. Social life in these farming communities centers around landmarks such as La Vina Sch and Sunset Sch, while the Gravelly Ford Ranch stands near the river's edge, highlighting the area's long-standing ranching and irrigation history.