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1955 Map of Morongo Valley

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Morongo Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

Morongo Valley and the high desert canyons of the San Bernardino Mountains are captured during a mid-century period of transition. The landscape reflects a diverse history of land use, from the Mission Creek Indian Reservation in the south to the mining operations of the Monte Cristo Mine, Rose Mine, and Onyx Mine in the north. Ranching heritage is deeply embedded in the terrain, marked by family-named holdings like Bain Ranch, The Pipes Ranch, and Kee Ranch.

The survey documents early desert communities such as Pioneertown and Little Morongo Heights, along with the infrastructure of the Colorado River Aqueduct. Notable topographical landmarks like Chaparrosa Peak, the Sawtooths, and Red Dome define the horizon, while the San Bernardino National Forest boundary meets the developing settlements of Palm Wells and Covington Park along the Twentynine Palms Highway.