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1957 Map of Holtville NE

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Holtville NE
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1962
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1962

About this map

Irrigation infrastructure and natural desert landscapes meet in this mid-century survey of Imperial County. The meticulously planned water delivery system is evident in the grid of lateral canals and drains, including the Moss Lateral, Orchid Lateral, and Oasis Lateral, which transformed this arid environment into productive land. This geometric human footprint terminates abruptly at the eastern edge of the agricultural zone, where the East Highline Canal separates the cultivated fields from the natural Mesa and shifting Sand Dunes.

Evidence of local transportation and industry is found in the Holtville Main Landing Strip and the Holtville Main Flume, which facilitated the movement of water and commerce across the basin. Researchers will note the alphanumeric grid system and the precise placement of benchmarks like BM 42 and BM -12, alongside utilitarian features such as a Gravel Pit near the dunes, reflecting the intensive land management of the 1950s.