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This irrigation map of Southern California, published in 1922 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Public Roads, provides a detailed survey of agricultural and irrigated lands in the region. The map was revised and redrawn in 1920 in collaboration with the California State Department of Engineering, the College of Agriculture at the University of California, and the California State Water Commission, reflecting a coordinated effort to assess and manage water resources for agriculture.
The map highlights agricultural areas (in orange) and irrigated lands (in green), illustrating the extent of cultivated land and irrigation networks across Southern California, including the Los Angeles Basin, San Joaquin Valley, Owens Valley, Imperial Valley, and the Colorado River region. Major irrigation infrastructure, such as principal irrigation canals, power canals, U.S. Reclamation Service projects, and hydroelectric plants, is carefully delineated. The inclusion of stream gaging stations from the U.S. Geological Survey suggests the use of hydrological data in planning irrigation projects.
A notable feature is the Owens Valley and Tributary Watershed inset which reflects the importance of the Owens River in supplying water to Los Angeles. The early 20th century saw the controversial Los Angeles Aqueduct project, which diverted water from Owens Valley to the city, dramatically reshaping the region’s water politics and agricultural viability. The Imperial Valley, shown as one of the most irrigated areas, benefited from water deliveries from the Colorado River, a precursor to the later development of the All-American Canal and Hoover Dam projects.
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