1947 Map of Wheatland

About this map

The Wheatland settlement and the vast Johnson Ranch dominate this 1940s landscape at the junction of the Southern Pacific railroad and the Bear River. The map captures a transitional era for the region, where large agricultural landholdings like the Durst Ranch and Boardman Ranch sit alongside the developing Camp Beale Military Reservation to the northeast. Water management is a primary feature of the terrain, evidenced by a series of channels including Dry Creek, Best Slough, and Hutchinson Creek, often guided by a levee system designed to protect the lower plains. A small cluster of activity is visible at Horstville and Erle Siding, illustrating the critical role of rail transport for these ranching communities. The map also identifies local landmarks such as a Windmill and a rural cemetery, providing valuable data for genealogists tracing family roots in this corner of the Sacramento Valley.