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1915 Map of Mesa

Name: 1915 Topographic Map of Mesa
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1915
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1915

About this map

The Salt River corridor dominates this desert landscape, revealing a sophisticated early 20th-century irrigation network essential for the valley's agricultural growth. The interconnected system of the Consolidated Canal, Crosscut Canal, and Utah Canal defines the development patterns of early Mesa and Tempe. Educational and institutional foundations are prominent, ranging from the Arizona State Normal School to rural landmarks like the Rohrig School and Kyrene School.

To the south and north, the Gila River Indian Reservation and Salt River Indian Reservation represent significant cultural boundaries, while industry is noted by the Creamery near Tempe and the Arizona Power House on the canal line. The Arizona Eastern railroad branches provide the vital transport links connecting rural outposts like Gilbert, Chandler, and Guadalupe to the broader regional economy.