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1954 Map of Rio Bravo

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Rio Bravo
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

The Rio Bravo Oil Field dominates the central landscape of this 1954 survey, illustrating the industrial footprint of petroleum extraction in the San Joaquin Valley. Clusters of oil wells and tanks surround the intersection of Imperial Street and Seventh Standard Road, while a dense network of pipelines traverses the flat terrain. This mid-century view captures a unique social geography, where labor-focused settlements like the Mexican Colony, Cherokee Strip, and Farm Labor Center sit adjacent to the bustling agricultural and rail hub of Shafter.

Educational and community landmarks are clearly marked, including the Kern Jr Academy and Rio Bravo Union School. The infrastructure of the era is defined by the competing rail lines of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe and the Southern Pacific, which facilitated the movement of crude oil and farm products. Local intersections such as Smith Corner and Calders Corner identify key nodes in the grid of rural roads and residential enclaves.