1953 Map of Acolita

About this map

The desert outpost of Acolita serves as a lonely point of reference in this arid landscape where the Sand Hills meet the southern edge of the Chocolate Mountains. At the time of this survey, the region was defined by massive military and infrastructure footprints, including a large Aerial Gunnery Range and the Naval Reservation Bdy. Transportation through this harsh environment is strictly linear, following the corridor of the Southern Pacific railroad and the parallel Niland-Glamis Road. Water management features like the East Mesa Canal and the Coachella Levee indicate the intensive engineering required to move water across the basin, while various Jeep Trails provide the only access into the more remote dunes and foothills.