1954 Map of Oil Center

About this map

The Kern River Oil Field dominates this mid-century landscape, where a dense network of oil tanks, pipelines, and sumps surrounds the historic industrial settlements of Oil Center, Oil City, and Maltha. Following the curves of the Kern River, the map reveals the era's transition between heavy extraction and community recreation. The river's northern banks are shaped by the Hart Memorial Unit and Kern River State Park, providing a distinct green contrast to the industrial activities nearby. In the southwestern corner, the northern edge of Bakersfield and East Bakersfield is visible, showing a established grid of schools and public facilities, including the County Hospital and Garces High Sch. Geographers can trace the path of the Southern Pacific railroad sidings like Treadwell and Volcan, which once served the regional petroleum economy.