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1951 Map of Big Maria Mts

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Big Maria Mts
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1952
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1952

About this map

The Colorado River serves as the dominant boundary in this desert landscape, separating the California and Arizona borderlands. Along its western bank, the Colorado River Indian Reservation Bdy meets small riverside outposts like River Bend Lodge and the Blythe Boat Club. The interior is defined by the striking topography of the Big Maria Mountains and the Riverside Mountains, which rise sharply above the expansive Sand Dunes and Rice Valley.

Evidence of desert transit and industry is found in the Midland Road and the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad, which cuts across the southwest corner near a solitary Prospect. Notable landmarks such as Black Hill and Quien Sabe Point provide navigational anchors for the area. The map also captures the agricultural footprint at Hills Ranch, illustrating the sparse but vital human presence in this arid region of Riverside County during the mid-twentieth century.