1931 Map of San Benito

About this map

The San Benito River carves a deep path through this portion of the Call Mountains Range and Gabilan Range during the early twentieth century. This landscape is defined by its isolation and the rugged canyon networks of Bickmore Canyon and Pinnacles Valley. The map shows the northern portion of Pinnacles Nat Mon, established years prior to this 1917 survey, revealing the early protected boundaries of this unique geological area. Settlement is sparse, represented by family ranching operations like Los Muertos Ranch and Butts Ranch. Education was localized in small rural outposts, evidenced by the distribution of the Cottonwood School and Antelope School. The industrial presence is limited to the Bradford Mine, reached via the New Idria Road, which served as a vital transit link through the difficult terrain of Chemise Ridge.