1912 Map of McKittrick

About this map

The rugged Temblor Range and the arid basins of the southern San Joaquin Valley dominate this 1912 survey, capturing the region during the early development of its oil and ranching economies. The infrastructure of the Pacific Southern railroad connects the nascent town of McKittrick to the remote valley outposts, while the surrounding landscape is dotted with early 20th-century family holdings like McAlesters Ranch and Joe Santos Ranch. To the west, the white expanse of Soda Lake sits in the Carrizo Plain, bordered by unique landmarks such as Painted Rock. The map reflects a hardscrabble frontier era where water sources like Carneros Spring and Sheep Springs were vital for the survival of both livestock and workers in the Midway Valley. Evidence of early community life is seen at the Buttonwillow School and the isolated Midland PO.