1957 Map of Calexico

About this map

Calexico and the surrounding Imperial Valley landscape are defined by an intricate network of irrigation infrastructure designed to transform the desert into a productive agricultural engine. The massive All American Canal and Central Main Canal dominate the southern portion of the sheet, hugging the international border between the United States and Mexico. This survey details the hydraulic engineering of the era, from the Alamo River to smaller works like the Hemlock Sluice and Ash Canal. Rural life is centered around local institutions such as the Jasper-Alamitos School, Verde School, and Mountain View Cemetery. The Southern Pacific railroad provides the vital link for moving produce, while scattered landmarks like the Radio Station (KICO) and several Gaging Stations reveal the technological footprint of the mid-century valley.