1960 Map of Gustine

About this map

Gustine and the surrounding agricultural landscape of western Merced County are defined by a complex network of waterways and early 20th-century transportation routes. The confluence of the San Joaquin River and the Merced River dominates the northern portion of the map, supporting riparian recreation at George J Hatfield State Park and Fremont Ford State Park. This region is a study in reclaimed wetlands, where extensive duck ponds and sloughs like Mud Slough and Salt Slough sit alongside irrigation infrastructure including the San Luis Canal and Newman Wasteway. The rural economy of the 1960s is evidenced by the prominent Stevinson Home Ranch and local leisure sites like the Newman Gun Club. Transportation and industry center on the southern part of the quadrangle, featuring the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe rail lines, the Gustine Airport, and the large industrial footprint of Sewage Disposal and local roads like Carnation Road.