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1950 Map of Reward

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Reward
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

Industrial operations and livestock ranching define this high-desert landscape in western Kern County, where the Temblor Range meets the oil-rich basin floor. The map highlights the extensive energy infrastructure of the mid-20th century, dominated by oil wells, tanks, and pipelines operated by major firms like Standard Oil, Union Oil, and the Tidewater Associated Oil company. This concentrated industrial activity contrasts with the isolated life at the Cooper Ranch and the small settlements of Reward and McKittrick.

Water sources such as Sulphur Spring and Willow Springs provide rare landmarks in the arid terrain of Frazer Valley and the Little Santa Maria Valley. Educational and commercial hubs like the Olig School and Midway Mud Co serve the local workforce. The topography is further marked by the Telephone Hills and various canyons, including Pottinger Canyon and Wood Canyon, illustrating the challenging environment of the California oil fields.