1918 Map of Gustine

About this map

The confluence of the San Joaquin River and the Merced River dominates this 1915 landscape, revealing a complex web of seasonal waterways and early agricultural infrastructure. Before modern water management transformed the Central Valley, this area relied on natural features like Fremont Ford and a network of tidal-influenced channels, including Salt Slough and Mud Slough. The settlement of Hills Ferry sits at a critical bend in the river, serving as a reminder of the era when steamships and ferries were the primary movers of goods and people.