1956 Map of Frink

About this map

Salton Sea waters dominate this mid-century landscape, revealing a unique intersection of recreation, transportation, and military activity. Along the northeastern shore, the Southern Pacific railroad runs parallel to the waterline, serving small rail-side settlements like Frink and Pope. The map highlights a significant military footprint during the Cold War era, including a designated Sea Plane Landing Area and several large parcels of the Naval Reservation extending into the basin. These restricted zones sit adjacent to the developing Salton Sea State Park near Bombay, illustrating the dual-purpose nature of the shoreline at this time. Inland features such as Frink Spring and various Gravel Pit operations suggest the desert's resource-driven economy, while the precise measurement of 235 feet below sea level underscores the extreme topography of the Imperial Valley.