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1955 Map of Mettler

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Mettler
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

Wheeler Ridge anchors the southern landscape of this mid-century Kern County survey, rising above the developing petroleum and agricultural lands of the San Joaquin Valley. The settlement of Mettler sits at a critical junction of the Maricopa Highway, surrounded by a grid of farm roads like Sandrini Road and David Road. The introduction of the California Aqueduct and the Wind Gap Pumping Plant in the purple-revisions layer signals a massive shift in water management for the region during the 1960s and 70s.

Energy extraction is evident throughout the eastern half of the map, dominated by the Tejon Oil Field. Near the small settlement of Meridian, the Meridian Sch stands as a local landmark amidst the vast irrigated tracts. Natural drainage features such as Tecuya Creek and Grapevine Cr provide a stark contrast to the engineered canals and the industrial operations at the various Gravel Pits near the ridge.