1958 Map of Cottonwood Spring

About this map

The Colorado River Aqueduct and its complex system of tunnels dominate the northern landscape of this Riverside County region, showcasing the mid-century infrastructure required to move water across the desert. To the south, the shoreline of the Salton Sea meets the Coachella Canal, defining the agricultural and recreational boundary near Desert Beach. The map details a rugged transition from the Cottonwood Mountains and Joshua Tree National Monument in the north down through the Shavers Valley to the Mecca Hills. Resource extraction and desert survival are evident in the presence of the Mastodon Mine and Coyote Mine, as well as vital water stops like Cottonwood Spring and Shavers Well. This survey documents the intersection of heavy transit and tribal lands, including the Torres Martinez Ind Res and the Southern Pacific railroad line.