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1949 Map of Ord Ferry

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Ord Ferry
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

The Sacramento River carves a complex, winding path through this portion of the Sacramento Valley, defining the boundaries between Butte and Glenn Counties. The landscape is a network of active and relic waterways, where the main channel is flanked by numerous sloughs such as Kusal Slough, Murphy Slough, and the uniquely named Negro Sam Slough. Large river features like Phelan Island and Golden State Island demonstrate the dynamic nature of the river corridor before modern intensive channelization. Evidence of early California settlement and transport is prominent, particularly the former locations of Ord Ferry and Chico Landing.

The map also delineates several massive land grants, including Rancho de Farwell and Rancho Llano Seco, which reflect the region's heritage of Spanish and Mexican ranchos. Beyond the riparian corridor, the land is organized for agriculture and infrastructure, supported by the Southern Pacific railroad and a grid of rural roads like Seven Mile Lane and Sacramento Avenue. The presence of the Bidwell Sch and scattered windmills highlights the rural life of the mid-20th century.