1958 Map of Cathedral City

About this map

Agua Caliente Indian Reservation lands dominate this late-1950s survey of the central Coachella Valley, documenting a period of rapid mid-century growth. The nascent development of Cathedral City is clearly visible along the Whitewater River, contrasted against the older desert outposts and stops along the Southern Pacific railroad line such as Edom and Rimlon. The transition from an agricultural and rail-oriented economy to a leisure-driven desert destination is marked by the appearance of the Tamarisk Country Club and the Drive-in Theater. To the north, the Indio Hills and Flat Top Mountain provide a stark backdrop to the expanding grid of Ramon Road, while established community cornerstones like the Palm Valley School and the Palm Springs Dist Cem anchor the local geography for researchers.