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1972 Map of Inyokern

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of Inyokern
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

Indian Wells Valley is defined here by its intersection of desert logistics, military operations, and transit history. The map centers on the community of Inyokern, a hub where the Southern Pacific railroad meets the aviation infrastructure of Kern County Airport No 8. This proximity to the vast China Lake Naval Weapons Center is evident in the presence of the U S Government Railroad and an Old RR Grade, suggesting the shifting transportation needs of the mid-20th century.

Beyond the central airfield, the landscape reveals smaller settlements like Indian Wells and Leliter, alongside specialized sites such as Sandquist Spa and various Trailer Parks. The presence of numerous wells and the Little Lake Wash illustrates the vital water management required in this arid terrain. For researchers, the map provides a look at the residential development along named routes like Boliva Ave and Anita Ave, as well as the industrial footprint of local borrow and gravel pits.