1934 Map of Barstow

About this map

The Mojave River defines the corridor of settlement and transport through this high desert region, its course closely tracked by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe RR. This rail-and-water lifeline connects a series of early communities from Victorville and Oro Grande in the south up toward Barstow and Hinkley. The landscape is dominated by mining interests and desert ranching, as evidenced by the Red Raven Mine and Western States Mine, as well as several established wells like Stoddard Well and Sidewinder Well that supported travelers and livestock in an arid climate.