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1956 Map of Kramer

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Kramer
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

Boron and the high desert interior take center stage in this mid-century topographic record of the western Mojave. The landscape is defined by the intersection of industrial development and military expansion, featuring the extensive Edwards Air Force Base boundary and the historical path of the Santa Fe RR. Settlement patterns are concentrated along the northern rail corridor, where the Rich (Site) and the busy crossroads at Kramer Junction indicate the era's reliance on both rail and highway transport.

Strategic landmarks like Leuhman Ridge and Haystack Butte rise above the arid flats, while the southern reaches descend toward El Mirage Valley and the Shadow Mountains. The presence of several prospects and a Clay Plant near the northern boundary highlights the mineral-rich character of the terrain that drove local growth. Numerous observation towers and range stations across the central portion of the map document the area's vital role in national defense and flight testing during the Cold War.