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1953 Map of Kettleman Plain

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Kettleman Plain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1983
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1983

About this map

Kettleman Dome dominates the northeastern landscape of this mid-century survey, a topographical high point marked by intensive resource extraction as evidenced by numerous oil wells. This industrial activity contrasts with the broad, open drainage of the Kettleman Plain and the complex system of arroyos, such as Arroyo Mellado and Arroyo Paso, that carve through the hills. Small outposts and named locales including El Dambo, El Loro, and Reef Station serve as early markers of human settlement in this arid environment.

Energy infrastructure is prominent, with several pipelines and a designated Landing Strip supporting local operations. To the southwest, the terrain rises sharply into Reef Ridge and the Kreyenhagen Hills, where Big Tar Creek and Little Tar Canyon cut through the slopes. The map captures a specific moment in the development of the San Joaquin Valley’s petroleum history, showing both active and abandoned wells across the ridge lines.