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1951 Map of Estrella

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Estrella
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1951
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1951

About this map

The Maricopa Mountains dominate this arid landscape, serving as a backdrop for a post-war desert environment defined by isolated ranching and rail infrastructure. Along the northern edge, the Southern Pacific railroad corridor anchors the small settlement of Estrella, while the southern expanse is marked by the sprawling Papago Indian Chief Military Reservation. The terrain is punctuated by significant desert landmarks like Javelina Mountain, Maricopa Peak, and the uniquely named Squaw Tits.

Water management in this dry region is evidenced by a network of ephemeral drainages and vital water points such as Bender Wash, Lost Horse Tanks, and Mesquite Well. Further south, the map details the transition into the White Hills and Booth Hills, where scattered human activity is noted at the A Ky Ranch and near Freeman. This survey provides a clear view of the Maricopa County backcountry before modern expansion, highlighting the sparse but essential infrastructure of wells and tanks that sustained life in the Arizona desert.