1963 Map of Kerman

About this map

Agricultural development and water management systems define this mid-century landscape in the Central Valley. The Southern Pacific railroad serves as a primary corridor for the area, connecting established settlements like Kerman and San Joaquin through a grid of orchard-lined roads. The hydraulic complexity of the region is evident in the engineered paths of the James Bypass and the meandering Fresno Slough, which cut through a terrain heavily modified by the Main Canal, Helm Canal, and numerous smaller ditches like the Butte and Yuba Ditch. Local industry and infrastructure are represented by the Raisin City Oil Field, a Cotton Gin south of San Joaquin, and several landing strips. Genealogists may find interest in the documented Cem and Church locations, alongside smaller named landmarks such as Traction Ranch and Jamesan, which provide a detailed look at the rural homesteads and early ranching parcels of the era.