1956 Map of Hawes

About this map

The Mojave River carves a critical path through this high desert region, anchoring the settlements and infrastructure of the mid-1950s. The landscape is defined by the vital transportation corridor of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads, which parallel the river and ancient paths like the Bonanza Trail. Military and aviation needs of the era are evident in the presence of the Hawes Auxiliary Airport and Helendale Auxiliary Airport, reflecting the strategic importance of the open terrain near Harper Lake. Local industry is marked by scattered prospects, shafts, and oil wells, particularly around the Kramer Hills. For genealogists and local historians, specific landmarks like Astley Rancho, Helendale Ranch, and the Point of Rocks offer precise location data for historical homesteads and geographic markers along the river's bend.