Old Maps of Gila Bend, Arizona for Academic Research

Study the evolution of Gila Bend with 31 high-resolution historic maps. Whether you're teaching, researching, or modeling changes in land use, these maps provide essential visual documentation of urban, environmental, and geographic change.

  • Analyze long-term change: Track patterns in development, transportation, and natural features.
  • Ideal for environmental or urban studies: Support academic projects with primary historical map data.
  • Use in the classroom or lab: Educators and researchers rely on these maps to bring historical context to life.

These maps are a powerful tool for teaching, research, and visualizing how Gila Bend has changed over the decades.


Gila Bend, AZ maps

(31)
  1. 1950 Map of Theba, 1955 Print
    1950 Map of Theba, 1955 Print
    1950 Theba
    1955 Print · USGS
    Maricopa County's arid river lands are captured here in the 1950s, showing the early infrastructure of the Gillespie Ranch and the Gila Bend Indian Res. Researchers can locate rural landmarks like Theba, the Southern Pacific railroad sidings at Smurr, and the desert peaks of the White Hills.

  2. 1951 Map of Gila Bend
    1951 Map of Gila Bend
    1951 Gila Bend
    1951 Print · USGS
    Gila Bend and the surrounding Sonoran Desert are documented here in the early fifties during a period of mid-century aviation and rail expansion. Researchers can locate the Gila Bend Indian Reservation, the Southern Pacific rail line, and remote landmarks like Jack in the Pulpit.
    3 unique versions available

  3. 1951 Map of Theba
    1951 Map of Theba
    1951 Theba
    1951 Print · USGS
    Maricopa County's arid river valley and rail corridor are captured here in the mid-century, showing the irrigation-driven growth around Theba and Gillespie Ranch. Researchers can trace the Southern Pacific line through sidings at Smurr and Piedra, or locate the Gila Bend Indian Res.
    2 unique versions available

  4. 1951 Map of Cotton Center, 1952 Print
    1951 Map of Cotton Center, 1952 Print
    1951 Cotton Center
    1952 Print · USGS
    Maricopa County's desert ranching and irrigation systems are captured here in the early fifties, showing the vital role of the Gila River. Researchers can trace the historic Butterfield Stage Route and explore the agricultural layouts of Cotton Center and the Enterprise Ranch.
    2 unique versions available

  5. 1953 Map of Ajo, 1971 Print
    1953 Map of Ajo, 1971 Print
    1953 Ajo
    1971 Print · USGS
    The Arizona desert at mid-century reveals a landscape of massive copper mines, tribal reservations, and military testing grounds. Genealogists and historians can trace rail stopovers like Dateland and Mohawk or locate remote sites like the Reward Mine and Gu Achi (Santa Rosa).
    2 unique versions available

  6. 1954 Map of Phoenix, 1964 Print
    1954 Map of Phoenix, 1964 Print
    1954 Phoenix
    1964 Print · USGS
    Mid-century Arizona is captured here as the Phoenix metropolitan area begins its rapid expansion into the surrounding desert. Genealogists and historians can trace the development of agricultural hubs like Buckeye and Tolleson, or locate remote landmarks like the Vulture Mine and Nottbusch Cem.
    5 unique versions available

  7. 1957 Map of Ajo
    1957 Map of Ajo
    1957 Ajo
    1957 Print · USGS
    Southern Arizona in the fifties reveals a landscape of massive copper mines, remote desert wells, and tribal reservations. Genealogists and historians can trace old cattle outposts like Whitewing Ranch, the Tracy's Trading Post, and the copper works at Ajo.

  8. 1957 Map of Phoenix
    1957 Map of Phoenix
    1957 Phoenix
    1957 Print · USGS
    Greater Phoenix and the central Arizona desert during the mid-fifties reveal a landscape of growing suburbs and active desert mines. Researchers can trace the legacy of local landmarks like Wickenburg Prison, the Vulture Mine, and the Tonopah Post Office.

  9. 1958 Map of Ajo
    1958 Map of Ajo
    1958 Ajo
    1958 Print · USGS
    The high desert of Pima and Yuma Counties during the late fifties shows a landscape of remote copper mines and military flight paths. Researchers can trace the Southern Pacific Railroad through Gila Bend and find heritage sites like O'Neills Grave or the Christmas Gift Mine.
    2 unique versions available

  10. 1958 Map of Phoenix
    1958 Map of Phoenix
    1958 Phoenix
    1958 Print · USGS
    The Phoenix Valley enters a period of postwar expansion, where desert irrigation meets massive military aviation footprints. Trace the development of Phoenix and Glendale alongside the legendary Vulture Mine and the auxiliary runways of Luke Air Force Base.

  11. 1960 Map of Phoenix
    1960 Map of Phoenix
    1960 Phoenix
    1960 Print · USGS
    Central Arizona in the mid-fifties reveals a landscape of rapid suburban growth alongside enduring desert mining and ranching. Genealogists and historians can trace rail-side settlements like Vicksburg Junction and Waddell, or locate the Vulture Mine and early sites like Agua Fria School.

  12. 1962 Map of Ajo
    1962 Map of Ajo
    1962 Ajo
    1962 Print · USGS
    Southern Arizona in the early sixties was a landscape of deep-desert mining, military airfields, and tribal lands. Researchers can trace the Cornelia Mine near Ajo, remote outposts like Trays Trading Post, and the path of the Devils Highway.

  13. 1963 Map of Ajo
    1963 Map of Ajo
    1963 Ajo
    1963 Print · USGS
    Southwestern Arizona in the early sixties reveals a landscape of desert ranches and remote mining outposts. Trace the historic Southern Pacific line or locate isolated landmarks like O'Neils Grave and Tracy's Trading Post.

  14. 1967 Map of Ajo
    1967 Map of Ajo
    1967 Ajo
    1967 Print · USGS
    Southern Arizona in the mid-1960s is depicted here as a landscape of military aviation and deep-desert ranching. Trace the historical mining operations at Vekol Mine or follow the Southern Pacific rail line through Gila Bend and Dateland.

  15. 1969 Map of Phoenix, 1970 Print
    1969 Map of Phoenix, 1970 Print
    1969 Phoenix
    1970 Print · USGS
    Central Arizona is seen at a technological turning point in the late sixties, using Apollo 9 space photography to map the desert landscape. Researchers can trace the growth of Sun City, locate old workings at Vulture Mine, and follow the Gila River past Buckeye.
    2 unique versions available

  16. 1971 Map of Phoenix
    1971 Map of Phoenix
    1971 Phoenix
    1971 Print · USGS
    Central Arizona at the start of the seventies shows a desert metropolis expanding toward the Sun Valley retirement boom. Trace the growth of Sun City and Glendale, or locate remote historic sites like the Vulture Gold Mine and Nottbusch Cemetery.

  17. 1973 Map of Bosque, 1976 Print
    1973 Map of Bosque, 1976 Print
    1973 Bosque
    1976 Print · USGS
    Arid grazing and rail lands in the 1970s reveal a network of isolated outposts and desert infrastructure. Researchers can trace the Southern Pacific line past Bosque, locate family sites like LaPalma Corral, and find remote burials at Bosque Cem.

  18. 1973 Map of Theba, 1976 Print
    1973 Map of Theba, 1976 Print
    1973 Theba
    1976 Print · USGS
    The desert agriculture and rail infrastructure of southern Arizona are on full display during the early 1970s. Researchers can trace the Southern Pacific line past the Theba settlement, locating the Cem at Piedra and the sprawling Gila River Ranch.

  19. 1973 Map of Cotton Center, 1976 Print
    1973 Map of Cotton Center, 1976 Print
    1973 Cotton Center
    1976 Print · USGS
    Maricopa County's desert valley and rugged western peaks appear in the early 1970s as a land defined by irrigation and historic transit. Researchers can trace the legacy of the Butterfield Stage Route, locate ancient Petroglyphs, and study the infrastructure of Cotton Center.

  20. 1973 Map of Gila Bend, 1976 Print
    1973 Map of Gila Bend, 1976 Print
    1973 Gila Bend
    1976 Print · USGS
    In the 1970s, Gila Bend functioned as a vital desert crossroads where the railroad met expanding highways. Genealogists and researchers can trace local landmarks like San Lucy Village, Pioneer Cem, and the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field.
    2 unique versions available

  21. 1973 Map of Cotton Center SE, 1976 Print
    1973 Map of Cotton Center SE, 1976 Print
    1973 Cotton Center SE
    1976 Print · USGS
    The Maricopa Mountains and the path of the historic Butterfield Stage Route define this desert landscape in the early 1970s. Trace the vital desert water sources like Hazen Well and Gap Tank that once supported travel through this arid terrain.

  22. 1973 Map of Smurr, 1977 Print
    1973 Map of Smurr, 1977 Print
    1973 Smurr
    1977 Print · USGS
    Maricopa County's desert landscape was a study in irrigation and infrastructure during the 1970s. Trace the rail-side stops of the Southern Pacific at Smurr or explore the southern reaches of the Gila Bend Indian Reservation.

  23. 1981 Map of Phoenix South
    1981 Map of Phoenix South
    1981 Phoenix South
    1981 Print · USGS
    The desert south of Phoenix in the early eighties shows a unique mix of tribal lands, military outposts, and agricultural growth. Genealogists and historians can trace settlements like Ak Chin and Valencia or locate the Buckeye Copper Mine and Luke Aux Field No 6.
    2 unique versions available

  24. 1981 Map of Gila Bend, 1996 Print
    1981 Map of Gila Bend, 1996 Print
    1981 Gila Bend
    1996 Print · USGS
    Southern Arizona in the early eighties reveals a vast desert corridor shaped by military ranges, indigenous lands, and historical mining. Genealogists and historians can trace rail-side settlements like Theba and Piedra or locate the historic Vekol Mine and Reward Mine.

  25. 1982 Map of Ajo
    1982 Map of Ajo
    1982 Ajo
    1982 Print · USGS
    The Arizona-Sonora borderlands come into focus in the early eighties, showcasing a landscape of desert mining towns and expansive tribal lands. Trace the Southern Pacific rail line through Gila Bend or explore the remote settlements of Ajo and Lukeville.

Showing maps 1-25 of 31

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