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1956 Map of Castle Butte

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Castle Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

Edwards Air Force Base dominates the southern landscape of this mid-century survey, reflecting the area's transition into a critical hub for aviation and aerospace development. The Air Force Flight Test Center and infrastructure like Muroc Junction and Edwards Station along the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad highlight the region's military and logistical importance.

Beyond the flight lines, the map details the working desert life of Kern County. Landmarks such as Mendiburu Ranch and the Thundering Herd Ranch signify a sparse but persistent ranching presence, while numerous Quarries and a dedicated Clay Mine point to the local extractive industry. From the Rand Mountains in the north to the broad expanse of Peerless Valley, the map preserves a specific moment before further modern desert expansion, including prominent peaks like Castle Butte and Desert Butte.