1952 Map of Richardson Springs

About this map

Richardson Springs sits at the geological transition where the Sacramento Valley floor meets the rising volcanic ridges of the Lassen National Forest. The landscape is defined by a series of parallel watercourses flowing southwest toward the Sacramento River, including Pine Creek, Mud Creek, and Sycamore Creek. These drainages cut through prominent terrain features such as Keefer Ridge and Cohasset Ridge, creating a rugged backdrop for the ranching and agricultural operations established below. In the lower valley, the Southern Pacific railroad line anchors small communities like Nord and Cana, while the Chico Municipal Airport and the nearby U S Auxiliary Airfield reflect the era's mid-century aviation infrastructure. The distribution of family-named sites like Stephens Ranch and Bell Ranch, alongside rural institutions like Live Oak Sch and Pine Creek Cem, provides a detailed record of local land ownership and community life in Northern California during the early 1950s.