1914 Map of Lost Hills

About this map

San Joaquin Valley ranching and early petroleum exploration are documented in this pre-World War I survey of the western desert lands. The landscape is defined by the prominent Kettleman Hills and Lost Hills, where early drilling is evidenced by labels for Well and County Well scattered across the Antelope Plain. Isolated outposts like McDonalds Ranch and vital water sources such as Alamo Solo Spr and Napoleon Spr provided essential infrastructure for stockmen and travelers navigating the Dudley-Lemoore Road. The northern edge captures the southern reaches of Tulare Lake, a massive water body since transformed by agriculture. This map preserves the era when the Temblor Range and Pyramid Hills served as rugged landmarks for those crossing the arid plains between the valley floor and the coastal ranges.