1948 Map of Nelson

About this map

Nelson and Esquon anchor this agricultural landscape in the Sacramento Valley, where the Southern Pacific railroad runs parallel to the Butte Creek corridor. The map reveals an intricate hydraulic network designed for irrigation and drainage, featuring the Western Canal, Odell Canal, and Whites Drain. These man-made improvements cut through natural watercourses like Hamlin Slough and Durham Slough, illustrating the intensive management of the valley floor for large-scale farming.