1946 Map of Madera

About this map

Agricultural development and irrigation networks define the landscape of the Central Valley in the mid-1940s, centered on the growing hub of Madera. The map captures a transition toward mechanized farming and aviation, with the Madera Municipal Airport situated north of the city and a Winery located along the Southern Pacific Railroad. This era is marked by a reliance on an intricate system of waterways, including the Madera Canal and the San Joaquin River, which provided the necessary water for established properties like the Gravelly Ford Ranch and Bonita Ranch. The social fabric of the rural county is visible through a high density of small district schools, such as the Ripperdan School, Howard School, and Sharon Bible School. On the southern edge of the survey, the settlement of Biola serves as a secondary rail and irrigation point along the Enterprise Canal.