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1946 Map of Selma

Name: 1946 Topographic Map of Selma
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Agricultural development and irrigation networks dominate the landscape of the San Joaquin Valley in the mid-1940s, centered around the growing hub of Selma. An intricate grid of canals and ditches, such as the Fowler Switch Canal and Kirby Canal, feeds the surrounding vineyards and orchards, revealing the engineered hydrology required to sustain the region's economy. Major transportation arteries like the Southern Pacific and Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroads facilitate the movement of goods from settlements like Sanger, Parlier, and Fowler.

Local life is anchored by numerous rural schools and churches, including the Swedish Mission and the Danish Ch, reflecting the ethnic heritage of the settlers. Ponds like Kennedy Pond and Darby Pond dot the terrain, likely serving as essential water storage for the farms. The presence of the U S Experimental Station near Fresno underscores the area's role as a center for agricultural research and innovation during this era of post-war expansion.