Old Maps of Imperial County, California for Metal Detecting

Plan your next treasure hunt with 628 historic maps of Imperial County. Find old homesites, ghost towns, trails, and gathering spots that may be lost to time — perfect for identifying promising metal detecting locations.

  • Locate forgotten sites: Uncover places like long-lost settlements, abandoned rail lines, or gathering spots.
  • Plan better hunts: Use map overlays combined with LiDAR or satellite views to narrow in on historically rich areas.
  • Made for detectorists: Thousands of hobbyists use these maps to discover relics, coins, and hidden history.

Use these historic maps to boost your research and find new opportunities beneath the surface of Imperial County.


Imperial County, CA maps

(628)
  1. 1903 Map of Yuma, 1954 Print
    1903 Map of Yuma, 1954 Print
    1903 Yuma
    1954 Print · USGS
    The desert frontier around Yuma comes alive in this survey from the early 1900s, capturing the arrival of major irrigation and rail infrastructure. Genealogists and historians can trace the foundations of the Yuma Indian Reservation, the early layout of Somerton, and remote mining sites like the Picacho Mine.
    2 unique versions available

  2. 1904 Map of Indio
    1904 Map of Indio
    1904 Indio
    1904 Print · USGS
    The Conchilla Desert and San Jacinto Mountains appear here at the turn of the century as the Southern Pacific rail corridor began to transform the valley. Trace early settlements and tribal lands like Cabezon Indian Res., Figtree John, and the Asbestos Mine.
    7 unique versions available

  3. 1905 Map of Yuma
    1905 Map of Yuma
    1905 Yuma
    1905 Print · USGS
    The Lower Colorado River borderlands come alive in the early 1900s, showing the early infrastructure of the Imperial Valley and the Yuma crossing. Genealogists and historians can trace the foundations of Somerton, the Yuma Indian Reservation, and remote desert mining camps like Hedges and Picacho Mine.
    5 unique versions available

  4. 1907 Map of Holtville
    1907 Map of Holtville
    1907 Holtville
    1907 Print · USGS
    The Imperial Valley was at its first agricultural peak during the early twentieth century as irrigation transformed the desert. Researchers can trace early water engineering through the Oat Canal and locate rail stops like Gleason Switch or Brice Siding.
    4 unique versions available

  5. 1915 Map of El Centro
    1915 Map of El Centro
    1915 El Centro
    1915 Print · USGS
    The Imperial Valley was rapidly developing into an agricultural powerhouse in the decade before the Great War. You can trace early irrigation networks through West Side Main Canal and locate early settlements like Dixieland, Silsbee, and 101 Ranch.

  6. 1929 Map of Laguna
    1929 Map of Laguna
    1929 Laguna
    1929 Print · USGS
    The confluence of the Colorado and Gila Rivers is captured here in the late twenties, during a period of significant water management and mining. Trace early river landings and remote desert prospects like Castle Dome Landing and the Old Senator Mine.
    4 unique versions available

  7. 1931 Map of Vallecito
    1931 Map of Vallecito
    1931 Vallecito
    1931 Print · USGS
    The Colorado Desert and its surrounding ranges are mapped here in the early thirties, showcasing a landscape defined by scarce water and massive terrain. Genealogists can trace isolated desert outposts like Fig Tree John and Agua Dulce or the original footprint of Borego Springs.

  8. 1931 Map of Carrizo, 1938 Print
    1931 Map of Carrizo, 1938 Print
    1931 Carrizo
    1938 Print · USGS
    Borderland life in the 1930s is defined by remote ranching outposts and vital desert springs along the international line. Trace old family sites and water sources like Campo P.O., Agua Caliente Hot Springs, and Laguna Ranch.

  9. 1939 Map of Red Hill
    1939 Map of Red Hill
    1939 Red Hill
    1939 Print · USGS
    The high desert of Yuma County is mapped here in the mid-1930s, showing a landscape defined by mining prospects and historic transit routes. You can trace early desert roads and name points like the Annie Mine, Red Hill, and the long Quartzite Yuma Road.
    3 unique versions available

  10. 1939 Map of Jacumba, 1956 Print
    1939 Map of Jacumba, 1956 Print
    1939 Jacumba
    1956 Print · USGS
    The high-desert borderlands of San Diego and Imperial counties are documented here just before the 1940s. Researchers can trace the engineering of the San Diego and Arizona Eastern railway and locate remote sites like Smugglers Cave and the Asbestos Mine.
    2 unique versions available

  11. 1940 Map of Brawley, 1955 Print
    1940 Map of Brawley, 1955 Print
    1940 Brawley
    1955 Print · USGS
    The Imperial Valley's complex irrigation and rail network is captured here just before the mid-century. Researchers can trace family-named schools and sidings like Lantana Sch, Silsbee Sch, and Wilsie Siding among the canals of the early valley economy.

  12. 1940 Map of Kane Spring, 1956 Print
    1940 Map of Kane Spring, 1956 Print
    1940 Kane Spring
    1956 Print · USGS
    The Imperial County desert near the Salton Sea shoreline is captured here in the 1940s, showing early attempts at irrigation and settlement. Researchers can trace the Pacific Portland Cement route and find family landmarks like Elmore Desert Ranch and Roosevelt Sch.
    3 unique versions available

  13. 1940 Map of Iris, 1956 Print
    1940 Map of Iris, 1956 Print
    1940 Iris
    1956 Print · USGS
    Imperial County at the start of the 1940s showcases a desert undergoing industrial transformation through a vast network of irrigation canals. Genealogists and historians can trace rail sidings like Flowing Well Siding and rural landmarks such as Mulberry Sch or the settlement of Wiest.
    4 unique versions available

  14. 1940 Map of Frink, 1956 Print
    1940 Map of Frink, 1956 Print
    1940 Frink
    1956 Print · USGS
    The Imperial County desert meets the shoreline of the Salton Sea in the early 1940s as infrastructure begins to reshape the basin. You can trace the Southern Pacific rail line through remote stops at Frink, Pope, and Wister, or locate the historic Frink Spring.

  15. 1940 Map of Yuma, 1956 Print
    1940 Map of Yuma, 1956 Print
    1940 Yuma
    1956 Print · USGS
    Yuma and the surrounding desert irrigation districts are captured here at the start of the 1940s as the river economy matured. Genealogists and local historians can trace the foundations of Somerton, the Indian Sch, and family-named schools like Crane Sch.
    3 unique versions available

  16. 1940 Map of Heber, 1956 Print
    1940 Map of Heber, 1956 Print
    1940 Heber
    1956 Print · USGS
    The Imperial Valley borderlands are captured here in the early 1940s, showing the complex web of irrigation and desert life. Trace the development of Heber and Calexico alongside the massive All American Canal and the family-linked Mt Signal Union Sch.

  17. 1940 Map of Iris Pass, 1956 Print
    1940 Map of Iris Pass, 1956 Print
    1940 Iris Pass
    1956 Print · USGS
    The Imperial County desert at the onset of World War II shows a landscape shifting from traditional trails to military use and large-scale irrigation. Trace historic desert travel via Ehrenberg Road, Salvation Spring, and the Coachella Canal.
    2 unique versions available

  18. 1940 Map of Plaster City, 1956 Print
    1940 Map of Plaster City, 1956 Print
    1940 Plaster City
    1956 Print · USGS
    The Imperial Desert at the start of the 1940s reveals a unique blend of mining industry, military testing, and early irrigation. Genealogists and historians can trace the Overland Stage Route or explore the rail-dependent economy of Plaster City and the County Rock Quarry.

  19. 1940 Map of Alamorio, 1956 Print
    1940 Map of Alamorio, 1956 Print
    1940 Alamorio
    1956 Print · USGS
    Imperial Valley's agricultural grid is in full bloom during the 1940s, revealing a landscape defined by an extensive network of canals and laterals. Genealogists can locate numerous rural schoolhouses like Eastside Sch and trace rail lines through Sandia and Holtville.

  20. 1940 Map of Coyote Wells, 1956 Print
    1940 Map of Coyote Wells, 1956 Print
    1940 Coyote Wells
    1956 Print · USGS
    The Colorado Desert during the early 1940s reveals a landscape of high-heat basins and essential transit corridors along the international border. Researchers can trace the path of the Old Stage Road and locate the railway stop at Coyote Wells or the geologic Shell Beds.

  21. 1940 Map of Calexico, 1957 Print
    1940 Map of Calexico, 1957 Print
    1940 Calexico
    1957 Print · USGS
    The Imperial Valley borderlands come into focus at the dawn of the 1940s, showing the early impact of the All American Canal. Trace the development of Calexico and rural landmarks like Bonds Corner, Jasper Sch, and the Alamo River.

  22. 1940 Map of Durmid, 1964 Print
    1940 Map of Durmid, 1964 Print
    1940 Durmid
    1964 Print · USGS
    Imperial County and the desert shoreline of the Salton Sea appear here in the early 1940s, just as new water infrastructure reached the area. Researchers can trace the Southern Pacific rail line through Durmid and Bertram or follow the early Anza Trail past Truckhaven.

  23. 1942 Map of Barrel Spring
    1942 Map of Barrel Spring
    1942 Barrel Spring
    1942 Print · USGS
    The Colorado Desert at the start of the 1940s reveals a landscape of industrial outposts and early parklands. Researchers can trace the Pacific Portland Cement Railroad leading to a remote Gypsum Mine or locate early settlements like Ocotillo and Little Borrego.
    2 unique versions available

  24. 1942 Map of Agua Dulce
    1942 Map of Agua Dulce
    1942 Agua Dulce
    1942 Print · USGS
    The Colorado Desert at the start of World War II reveals a landscape of high peaks and below-sea-level basins. Trace early desert life through the Oasis Sch, the remote Seventeen-Palms oasis, and the shoreline at Fish Springs.

  25. 1942 Map of El Centro
    1942 Map of El Centro
    1942 El Centro
    1942 Print · USGS
    The Imperial Valley and the California-Mexico border are captured during the peak of World War II-era desert development. Genealogists and historians can trace defunct school districts like Meloland Sch and Sandia, or follow the path of the Inter-California Railroad across the international line.
    2 unique versions available

Showing maps 1-25 of 628

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Frequently asked questions

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  • Are there historical topographic maps available for Imperial County?
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  • Where are historical maps of Imperial County sourced from?