1947 Map of Metz

About this map

The rugged boundary between San Benito County and Monterey County is defined by the sharp elevations of the Gabilan Range and the sprawling Pinnacles National Monument. In the lowlands, the Salinas River valley supports a concentrated agricultural and transport corridor, where the town of Greenfield and the settlement at Metz anchor the local economy. The Southern Pacific railroad parallels the river, connecting rural sidings like Coburn and Elsa to larger markets. This 1947 survey captures a landscape of extreme transitions, from the rock formations of Little Pinnacles to the established family holdings such as the Schmidt Ranch and San Carlos Ranch. Further south, the map details the intricate canyon systems feeding into the Arroyo Seco, including Llano Grande Canyon and Aqua Grande Canyon, while an Oil Pumping Station indicates the industrial footprint of the era.