1951 Map of Gila Bend

About this map

Gila Bend serves as the central hub of this desert landscape, situated at the junction of the Southern Pacific and the Cornelia and Gila Bend railroads. The town’s role as a transportation and aviation crossroads is evident through Hunts Airport, a radio range station, and a nearby Auxiliary Airfield. To the north, the Gila River flows past the Gila Bend Indian Reservation and the settlement of Sil Murk, while the Gila Bend Canal cuts across the arid plains. The southern and eastern portions of the map transition into the prominent Maricopa Mountains and the expansive Williams Military Reservation. This 1950s survey documents a critical period of infrastructure, where isolated outposts like Ninemile Well and Halfway Corral provide essential points of reference amidst the various washes and peaks, including the uniquely named Jack in the Pulpit.