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1920 Map of Pacheco Pass

Name: 1920 Topographic Map of Pacheco Pass
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1947
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1947

About this map

The Diablo range dominates this landscape, where the transition from the steep peaks of the California Coast Ranges meets the flat agricultural expanse of the Joaquin Valley. Centered on the rugged crossing at Pacheco Pass Road, the map reveals a land defined by canyon drainage and isolated ranching operations like the Fifield Ranch and San Luis Ranch. The eastern edge of the survey captures early industrial infrastructure, specifically the Shell Pumping Sta, which hints at the growing energy network moving through the valley during this period.

Local infrastructure for the sparse population is represented by a network of small schoolhouses, including Occidental School, Cottonwood School, and Romero School. These educational landmarks, along with the Cottonwood Church, provide valuable anchor points for researchers tracing the early 20th-century social fabric of Merced and Santa Clara counties. Resource extraction is also evident at the Bald Eagle Mine tucked into the slopes near Crevison Peak.