1953 Map of Madison

About this map

Agricultural development and water management define the Yolo County landscape in the early 1950s. The Southern Pacific railroad corridor anchors the small settlement of Madison, which sits near the junction of several drainage systems including Cottonwood Slough and South Fork Willow Slough. The northern portion of the map is dominated by the elevations of the Dunnigan Hills and Hungry Hollow, while the central valley floor is intricately carved by Cache Creek. Local life is recorded through rural landmarks such as the Cottonwood Cemetery, Clover Sch, and Mt Pleasant District School. This era shows a transition in local infrastructure, with Weggers Airport and a golf course appearing alongside established agricultural grant boundaries. The extensive network of canals, like the West Alder Canal, and the presence of Moore Dam illustrate the intensive irrigation required for the region's productive farms.