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1954 Map of Rio Bravo

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Rio Bravo
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

Agricultural development and petroleum extraction define this corner of the San Joaquin Valley, where the southern reaches of Shafter meet industrial activity. The landscape is structured by a rigid grid of roads such as Los Angeles Street and Seventh Standard Road, reflecting a planned expansion of irrigation and settlement. Local social centers are anchored by the Rio Bravo Union School and Kern Jr Academy, while distinct residential enclaves like Mexican Colony and Cherokee Strip highlight the area's diverse mid-century demographic character.

Heavy industry and transport are essential to the region's economy, with the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and Southern Pacific lines cutting across the plain. The southern half of the sheet is dominated by the Rio Bravo Field, marked by numerous Oil Wells and an Oil Pumping Sta. This combination of sprawling orchards, irrigated fields, and oil derricks illustrates the dual-engine economy of Kern County during the post-war era.