1942 Map of Tent Hills

About this map

Avenal Ridge dominates the center of this map, marking a high divide between several California counties at the time of these 1942 aerial surveys. The landscape is defined by its ranching heritage, with private holdings such as Iron Spring Ranch, Fahey Ranch, and Acebedo Ranch scattered through the canyons. Topographical features like Three Peaks and Johnson Peak provide significant landmarks overlooking Sunflower Valley to the northeast. This terrain is notably intersectional, showing the convergence of four county lines: Monterey, Kings, San Luis Obispo, and Kern. Movement through this upland area was dictated by natural gaps, most notably Cottonwood Pass, which connects the drainage of Cottonwood Creek with the lower elevations to the west. The map captures a moment of sparse high-country settlement where seasonal water sources like Little Avenal Creek and Sunflower Creek were critical for local operations at places like Hay Flat.