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1952 Map of Val Verde

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Val Verde
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

Oil Wells dominate the landscape north of the Santa Clara River in this 1952 study of the corridor between the Santa Susana Mountains and the Temescal region. The map captures a high-desert industrial and ranching economy just before the suburban expansion of the later 20th century. Named family holdings like Hathaway Ranch, Lechler Ranch, and Black Ranch are situated alongside the operations of the many Oil Wells that dot the canyons.

Transportation is anchored by the Southern Pacific railroad, which follows the river valley past Del Valle and the Mayo Spur. The small settlement of Val Verde is shown as a primary community hub, while more isolated locations like Holser and Potrero represent the sparse but steady development along Telegraph Road. The rugged terrain is deeply etched by a network of canyons, including San Martinez Grande Canyon and San Martinez Chiquito Canyon, which funnel seasonal drainage toward the main river system.