1950 Map of Tustin

About this map

The agricultural and aviation landscape of mid-century Orange County is captured here under the administration of Governor Earl Warren. The city of Santa Ana occupies the northwest corner, giving way to the growing community of Tustin and the expansive Irvine Ranch. A significant Naval Reservation dominates the central plains, its large hangars and runways positioned near the Orange County Airport. This era shows the region before the arrival of the modern freeway system, with travel instead defined by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad and local thoroughfares like Newport Avenue. To the south, the terrain rises into the San Joaquin Hills, where water management features like the San Joaquin Dam and Bonita Reservoir supported the irrigation needs of the surrounding citrus and lima bean fields. Several local social landmarks, including the Sprig Gun Club and Aliso Gun Club, dot the open marshlands and washes near the coast.