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Description

With Maps of Kern County Oil Fields

A very scarce topographical map and mines register of Kern County. Issued under the aegis of the California State Mining Bureau, headed by State Mineralogist Lewis E. Aubury.

The main folding map of Kern County focuses on mineral resources.

Oil Wells are noted with a red circle and are primarily concentrated north of Bakersfield.

Four additional (full-page) maps in the booklet, all compiled by Paul W. Prutzman:

  • Kern River Oil Field... Issued by the State Mining Bureau. Notes producing wells, abandoned wells, wells drilling, oil tanks.
  • McKittrick Oil Field. 
  • Midway Oil Field.
  • Sunset Oil Field

In the early 20th century, Kern County, California, became a major hub for oil production, contributing significantly to California’s position as a leading oil-producing state. The discovery of vast petroleum reserves, especially in the Midway-Sunset and Kern River oil fields, attracted national interest and investment. These fields produced high-quality crude oil, essential for fuel and industrial lubricants, and spurred rapid development in the region. Additionally, the county’s mineral resources, including natural gas and various minerals like gypsum and limestone, added economic value and positioned Kern County as a center of resource extraction crucial to California’s and the nation’s industrial growth.

Rarity

Very scarce in the market. No examples in RBH. OCLC locates 11 institutional holdings.

Condition Description
Folding lithograph map in black and red. Some splitting or separation along folds of maps (no loss). Booklet: Oblong quarto. Self wrappers, stapled. 22 double-pages. 4 additional maps. Minor tideline stains to lower fore-edge corner of booklet also affecting first map (Kern River Oil Field). Else quite clean and very good.