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1943 Map of Colton

Name: 1943 Topographic Map of Colton
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1943
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1943

About this map

The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific railroads converge in this mid-century industrial hub, anchoring the economy of Colton and Rialto. The landscape is dominated by heavy infrastructure, including an extensive Icing Plant, Car Shops, and a prominent Cement Plant at the base of Slover Mtn. This period shows the transition of the San Bernardino Valley from an agricultural powerhouse to a major regional logistics center, even as the National Orange Show grounds remain a centerpiece of local identity.

Residential growth is evident in planned tracts like Garden Park and Valley Gardens, while the Gage Canal and Riverside Canal continue to route water across the valley from the Santa Ana River. Educational and community anchors like Valley Junior College and the Montecito Memorial Park serve the expanding populations of Loma Linda and Grand Terrace, while the Ocean to Ocean Highway provides a critical early automotive artery through the heart of the district.