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1958 Map of Cottonwood Spring

Name: 1958 Topographic Map of Cottonwood Spring
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

The Cottonwood Mountains and Orocopia Mountains dominate this mid-century survey of the California desert, capturing a landscape defined by critical water infrastructure and recreation. The Colorado River Aqueduct traverses the northern terrain through the Mecca Pass Tunnels, while the southern end of the map reveals the shoreline of the Salton Sea and the path of the Coachella Canal.

Genealogists and local historians can locate small outposts such as Cactus City and Mortmar, the latter situated along the Southern Pacific railroad tracks near Desert Beach. The area within Joshua Tree National Monument features several historic mining operations, including the Coyote Mine and Mastodon Mine. From the The Grotto to Sheep Hole Oasis, the map details numerous natural water sources and canyons that have historically sustained travel through Shavers Valley.