30,000 Acres Choice Farming, Fruit & Alfalfa Land

Late 19th century real estate broadsheet advertising lands in Fresno and Tulare Counties, California.

The 76 Land & Water Company was formed in 1882 and named after Thomas Fowler’s “76 Ranch,” which had significant holdings in eastern Fresno and northern Tulare counties. The company quickly began working on a scheme to divert water from the nearby King’s River to irrigate its lands, and its early successes in that regard are highlighted on this promotional broadsheet.

Advertising “water sufficient for irrigation” and “permanent water rights,” the image presents a simple map with company sections shaded. Local railroads, creeks, and the aforementioned infrastructure improvements are the only features prominently labeled. Land is available for sale ranging from $15 – $35, with special considerations given to renters.

Today, the area comprises the majority of the San Joaquin Valley’s Alta Irrigation District. Published in the February 23, 1884 edition of the Pacific Rural Press, and includes a number of interesting contemporary advertisements on the verso.