This collection contains 26 hand-drawn road maps in Merced County, California made between 1868 and 1897. The maps were created by the County of Merced. They are accompanied with road petitions. Merced County was organized in 1855. Farming and ranching were the chief enterprises in the county in the second half of the 19th century. The roads were often developed to transport agricultural products and cattle to the nearest ferry or railroad station. To have a road built in their area, citizens of Merced County would file a petition.

This collection of maps was displayed at the Merced County Courthouse Museum in 2016 in an exhibit titled, "Let's Google That Old Road."

26 Maps, all scanned

Merced County Historical Society Archives

Restricted access by appointment only. Digital images are available.