1954 Map of Glamis SE

About this map

The Coachella Canal cuts a sharp diagonal through the arid landscape of Imperial County, a vital engineering artery flanked by a protective Levee. This mid-century survey illustrates the juxtaposition of irrigation infrastructure against the shifting topography of the Sand Hills and the expansive East Mesa. The northeastern portion of the sheet is dominated by the Impact Range, defined by the Naval Reservation Boundary, marking a landscape repurposed for military training during the era. The presence of the Coachella Bridge No 1 highlights the limited crossing points available across the man-made waterway as it traverses the vast Sand Dunes. This map documents a period when California's desert interior was being systematically managed for both water transport and national defense.