1947 Map of Johannesburg SW

About this map

Mining operations in the eastern Mojave Desert define this post-war landscape, where the extraction of industrial minerals drives the local economy. The area is dominated by large-scale borax production, with facilities such as the Pacific Coast Borax Company Mine and Mill and the Suckow Borax Company Mill situated near the settlements of Baker and Boron. These industrial hubs are interconnected by the Santa Fe railroad and a network of desert roads, including a specialized Landing Strip for transport. Away from the primary industrial pits, the map identifies smaller operations like the Bentonite Mine and the Mud Brothers site, while the presence of the Gerhart School suggests the development of a permanent community for the workers and their families. This survey captures a specific moment when the high desert's geological resources transitioned from remote prospects into significant industrial centers.