1935 Map of Oildale

About this map

The Kern River and an extensive network of irrigation works define the landscape north of Bakersfield during the mid-1930s. This survey, compiled from data gathered in 1929 and 1930, illustrates the transition from the irrigated agricultural plains along Rosedale Avenue to the burgeoning oil-related infrastructure of Oildale. The industrial character of the era is evidenced by the massive Transmission Line and the concentration of storage tanks and facilities near Oil Junction and Seguro. Rural life is anchored by local institutions such as Norris Sch, Standard Sch, and Beardsley Sch, which served the families working the surrounding fields and oil operations. The Kern County Landing Field appears at a vital juncture, situated between the Southern Pacific tracks and the Golden State Highway, highlighting the convergence of rail, road, and early aviation transport in the San Joaquin Valley.