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1937 Map of Reef Ridge

Name: 1937 Topographic Map of Reef Ridge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1937
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1937

About this map

Reef Ridge dominates this mid-1930s landscape, serving as a prominent geological spine between the Kettleman Plain and the high peaks of the Diablo Range. The area reveals a working landscape of ranching and early petroleum infrastructure, evidenced by the Union Oil Co Pumping Sta along the Coalinga-Bakersfield Road. Family-named operations such as the Ernest Kreyenhagen Ranch and Sagaser Ranch are central to the settlement pattern, while the already Jones Ranch (Abandoned) suggests the shifting fortunes of isolated mountain homesteads.

Extractive industry is visible in the rugged canyons where the Avenal Canyon Mine and Dawson Mine are located. Significant topographical features like Garza Peak, Ragged Top, and Flattop define the complex terrain, which is further carved by numerous drainages including Canoas Creek and the deep cut of Baby King Canyon. Local landmarks such as Blacks Corral and The Turtle Hole provide specific points of interest for those tracing the historical geography of Kings and Monterey counties.