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1942 Map of El Centro

Name: 1942 Topographic Map of El Centro
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1942
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1942

About this map

The Imperial Valley and the expansive desert terrain of the United States Mexico border region are documented here during the early 1940s. Irrigation systems are central to this landscape, with the All American Canal and the Central Main Canal branching out to transform the arid floor into productive farmland. Major population centers like El Centro, Brawley, and Calexico are shown alongside smaller agricultural outposts and schools such as Acacia Sch and Jasper Sch. South of the border, the rugged Sierra De Los Cucapas and the vast Laguna Salada O' Macuala dominate the Baja California landscape.

Transportation networks are heavily represented by the Southern Pacific Railroad and the National Railways of Mexico, highlighting the trans-border connectivity of the era. Rare details for genealogists and local historians include the Yuha Drill Hole and Yuha Spring in the West Mesa area, as well as the specialized infrastructure of the Volcano Lake Levee and Railroad. The map illustrates a pivotal moment in the valley's development, balancing intensive water engineering with the stark topography of the East Mesa sand dunes.