1956 Map of Lillis Ranch

About this map

The western edge of the San Joaquin Valley meets the high desert ridges of Ciervo Hills and Big Blue Hills in this mid-century topographic record. Agricultural development is concentrated on the eastern plains, where a series of named avenues like Elkhorn Ave and Mt Whitney Ave intersect with Derrick Ave, a primary north-south corridor. The map highlights the localized infrastructure required to support this arid landscape, including the Halfway Pumping Station, Oil Tanks, and a Landing Strip at the Giffen Cantua Ranch. Deep in the hills to the west, isolated water sources like Green Water Spring and Sulphur Spr provide vital landmarks amidst the drainage of Arroyo Hondo and Cantua Creek. This transition from organized valley grid-work to the steep, undeveloped terrain of Monocline Ridge reflects the sharp division of land use in Fresno County during the 1950s.