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1950 Map of Reef Ridge

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Reef Ridge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1950
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1950

About this map

Reef Ridge dominates the skyline of this 1930s landscape where the high peaks of the Diablo Range meet the northern edge of the Kettleman Plain. This survey illustrates the remote ranching and mining economy of central California during the interwar years. Isolated outposts like the Ernest Kreyenhagen Ranch and the Sagaser Ranch are connected by rugged tracks, while the industrial presence of the Union Oil Co Pumping Sta along the Coalinga-Bakersfield Road signals the region's developing energy infrastructure.

Evidence of early mineral exploration is visible at the Avenal Canyon Mine and Dawson Mine, located near family-named landmarks such as Rhodes Cabin and Dawson Cabin. The complex hydrology of the area is defined by numerous seasonal drainages and springs, including Canoas Creek and Sulphur Spring, which were vital for livestock at locations like Blacks Corral. From the heights of Garza Peak to the descent into Sunflower Valley, the map details a terrain of steep canyons and high flats.