1956 Map of Desert Well

About this map

Desert Well and Anderson Ranch anchor this mid-century desert landscape, where the agricultural and military development of the region is clearly visible. The map captures a transition from traditional ranching to specialized government land use, most notably with the large oval of the Desert Proving Grounds and the Rittenhouse Air Force Auxiliary Field in the south. These military footprints share the terrain with infrastructure designed to manage the arid environment, including a significant Diversion Dike and numerous catchment features like the Siphon Draw and Weekes Wash.