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1962 Map of Santa Rita Bridge

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Santa Rita Bridge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

Turner Island and the complex hydrology of the San Joaquin Valley floor define this early 1960s landscape, where the San Joaquin River meets an intricate network of managed waterways. This area, spanning the intersection of Merced, Madera, and Fresno counties, illustrates the mid-century agricultural transition through its sprawling ranch holdings and sophisticated water management systems. Numerous family-named and commercial agricultural operations are evident, including Lucerne Ranch, Santa Rita Ranch, and Durham Ranch.

The presence of the Santa Rita Bridge and the Red Top Ranch Airport highlights the infrastructure required to support these large-scale operations. Evidence of the region's historical water control is found in features like the East Side Bypass, Salt Slough, and the Arroyo Canal. For the local historian or genealogist, the map documents a specific era of land use centered around Santa Rita Park and various settlements such as Colony Farm and Riverside Ranch.