1972 Map of Mesa

About this map

The Salt River corridor and the expanding urban core of Mesa define this desert landscape during a period of rapid mid-century growth. North of the river, the Salt River Indian Reservation remains largely undeveloped, containing the Salt River Indian Day Sch and the Salt River Reservation Clinic. To the south, the city is meticulously organized by a grid of major thoroughfares like Country Club Drive and Main Street, with irrigation infrastructure such as the Consolidated Canal and Tempe Canal still visible amongst new residential subdivisions. The map captures an era of educational and civic investment, featuring the landmark LDS Temple, Mesa Community College, and numerous neighborhood schools like Irving Sch and Franklin Sch. This survey serves as a vital record of the transition from an agricultural river valley into a major metropolitan center.