1956 Map of Barstow

About this map

The Mojave River defines the central axis of this High Desert landscape, flowing past the growing hub of Barstow. In the mid-1950s, the region was a critical junction for the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads, which parallel the river and support smaller outposts like Hodge and Lenwood. Agricultural and social life in the valley is anchored by the Hinkley Valley Grange near Hinkley, while the surrounding arid terrain is dotted with mining operations such as Pedry Mine and the Waterman Mine in the Waterman Hills. A network of rural routes like Blacks Ranch Road and Stoddard Well Road connect these isolated desert settlements. The map also captures early aviation infrastructure, including the Riley Airport and a separate Airstrip, alongside essential community features like the Cameron Sch and a Racetrack on the eastern edge of Barstow.