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1922 Map of Madera

Name: 1922 Topographic Map of Madera
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1922
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1922

About this map

Madera serves as the central hub of this 1920s San Joaquin Valley landscape, defined by a rigid grid of agricultural sections and early transportation corridors. The city is bisected by the Southern Pacific Highway, while the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad skirts the northeastern edge, meeting at the settlement of Storey. This era shows a community built around irrigation and education, with the Madera Canal feeding the surrounding fields and a network of rural schoolhouses like Howard School, Alpha School, and Arcola School serving outlying families.

South of the main town site, the settlement of Borden and the Italian Swiss Colony reflect the industrial and viticultural roots of the region. Natural watercourses like the Fresno River and Cottonwood Creek contrast with the engineered precision of the canal system, illustrating the transition of the valley floor into a highly productive agricultural engine. The presence of the County Hospital and the Easton Church further highlight the established social infrastructure of the county seat.