1930 Map of Middle Dome

About this map

The Kettleman Hills (Middle Dome) rise as a prominent geological formation in this 1930 survey, reflecting the early exploration of the West Side oil fields in Kings County. The map documents the landscape just as industrial interest was intensifying, notably marking the location of the Discovery Well at the northern edge of the hills. The terrain transitions from the elevated ridges of the dome down into the broad Kettleman Plain, creating a distinct topographical boundary. Transportation through this arid region is defined by the Paso Robles Hanford Road, which cuts diagonally across the northern sections, providing a vital link between the coastal ranges and the valley floor. To the south, the survey reaches toward the Avenal Gap, illustrating the natural corridors that influenced early transit and settlement patterns in this part of California.