1957 Map of San Benito

About this map

Pinnacles National Monument anchors the southwestern corner of this survey, a landscape defined by the volcanic formations of Chalone Creek and the rugged drainage of the San Benito River. The territory shown reflects a mid-century California interior dominated by ranching and small-scale education, with dispersed properties like the Melendy Ranch, Schmidt Ranch, and McCreery Ranch situated along the seasonal watercourses of Tres Pinos Creek and Los Muertos Creek. The Airline Highway provides the primary north-south artery through Pinnacles Valley, connecting local landmarks such as Bear Valley School and the settlement of San Benito. Notable for genealogists is the distribution of rural institutions, including the Jefferson School and the Cottonwood School (Aban'd), alongside industrial traces like the Bradford Mine and conservation outposts like the Antelope Fire Control Station.