1956 Map of Lillis Ranch

About this map

Lillis Ranch and the nearby Giffen Cantua Ranch occupy the fertile transition where the San Joaquin Valley floor meets the rising elevations of the Ciervo Hills. This mid-century landscape is defined by its water management and infrastructure, featuring a complex network of pipelines, irrigation ditches, and numerous designated wells that supported the region's agricultural operations. The terrain is marked by seasonal drainages such as Arroyo Hondo, Arroyo Ciervo, and Cantua Creek, which cut through the uplifted Monocline Ridge and Big Blue Hills. Beyond the ranching homesteads, the map identifies natural landmarks like Green Water Spring and Sulphur Spr, along with industrial activity evidenced by a Gravel Pit and other excavation sites. The grid of service roads, including Derrick Ave and Mt Whitney Ave, highlights the organized development of this Fresno County interior.