1956 Map of Bagdad

About this map

The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad corridor defines this Mojave Desert landscape, connecting the remote stations of Siberia and Bagdad. This mid-century survey reveals a transition from mineral extraction at the Orange Blossom Mine and various Prospects toward large-scale military use within the Marine Corps Training Center. The geography is dominated by volcanic features, including the prominent Amboy Crater and the Lava Hills, while a lonely Cemetery near Bagdad and the Trojan (Site) hint at the region's earlier pioneers and railroad workers. High-voltage infrastructure and a long Pipeline parallel the tracks, serving the industrial needs of an arid basin bordered by the Bullion Mountains and the salt flats of Bristol Lake.