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1957 Map of Palm Springs

Name: 1957 Topographic Map of Palm Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

The Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Mountains meet in this mid-century survey of Palm Springs and its surrounding desert canyons. The map documents the rapid development of the mid-1950s, showing the early layout of the city including the Finchy Sch, Smoke Tree Sch, and local landmarks like Tahquitz Falls. To the north, Desert Hot Springs and North Palm Springs are emerging along the Twentynine Palms Highway.

Transitioning from the valley floor to the high timber, the map traces the Southern Pacific railroad route through the San Gorgonio Pass near White Water P O. In the southwest corner, the alpine village of Idyllwild is surrounded by numerous recreation spots like Riverside YMCA Camp and Fern Basin Camp. This record effectively captures the stark contrast between the burgeoning resort town and the protected lands of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation and Mt San Jacinto State Park.