Loading map...

1953 Map of Pentland

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Pentland
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

Oil Wells and industrial infrastructure dominate this portion of the southern San Joaquin Valley during a period of significant petroleum extraction. The landscape is a study in utility, where the sprawling Maricopa Flat is etched with a network of pipelines, oil sumps, and oil tanks. The presence of the Maricopa-Sunset Airport and the nearby Gardner Field (Aban'd)—a former military training base—illustrates the region's mid-century aviation and defense activity.

Settlement patterns are tied closely to the resource economy, centered around the community of Pentland and the San Emidio area. Drainage systems like Santiago Creek and Cienaga Creek descend from the southern heights toward the valley floor, providing a sharp contrast between the topographic relief of the foothills and the level industrial plains. The transportation corridor is defined by the Maricopa Highway and Sunset Road, facilitating movement across this productive oil-producing territory.