1965 Map of Engesser Pass

About this map

Engesser Pass serves as a critical desert corridor between the Kofa Mountains and the Tank Mountains in this mid-1960s topographic study. The landscape is defined by its transition from high volcanic peaks like Courthouse Mtn and Black Dome down into the expansive Palomas Plain. Human activity in this arid environment is tied to resource extraction and government land management, evidenced by the Engesser Mine and numerous prospects. The map details a network of jeep trails and vital water catchments such as Charlie Died Tank and Frenchman Tank, which were essential for miners and ranchers. This period captures the intersection of the Kofa Game Range with the expanding Yuma Proving Ground, illustrating how the territory was partitioned for both conservation and military testing.