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1944 Map of Palm Springs

Name: 1944 Topographic Map of Palm Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1944
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1944

About this map

The Coachella Valley and the steep eastern face of the San Jacinto Mountains define this mid-century landscape. This 1944 survey captures Palm Springs as it emerges from the valley floor, organized around a grid of streets like Alejo Road and Roman Road within the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. To the north, the Southern Pacific railroad traverses the San Gorgonio Pass, connecting Whitewater to Garnet Station while skirting the Morongo Indian Reservation.

High-altitude landmarks such as San Jacinto Peak and Tahquitz Peak overlook a terrain marked by deep drainages like Chino Canyon and Snow Creek. The map documents the early footprint of Desert Hot Springs and the secluded settlements of Fern Valley and Pine Cove Camp near the San Bernardino National Forest boundary. This detailed view shows the transition from the arid valley floor to the alpine terrain of Round Valley, illustrating the geographical isolation and early infrastructure of these desert and mountain communities during the war years.