1954 Map of West Elk Hills

About this map

Naval Petroleum Reserve No 1 and Naval Petroleum Reserve No 2 dominate this mid-century industrial landscape in the San Joaquin Valley. The terrain is defined by the energy infrastructure of the 1950s, with extensive networks of oil wells, oil tanks, and a complex pipeline system crossing the Elk Hills. The Southern Pacific railroad follows the contours of the McKittrick Valley, providing a vital link for the region's petroleum industry. The small settlement at Derby Acres sits at the southern edge of this production zone, while the Lokern Pumping Station and various water tanks indicate the logistical requirements of maintaining operations in this arid environment. Hydrology is represented by the Kern R Flood Canal and Buena Vista Creek, which frame the industrial activity occurring between Midway Valley and Buena Vista Valley.