1957 Map of Palm Springs

About this map

Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley are captured here during a period of significant mid-century desert development. The map details the urban grid expanding south of North Palm Springs, while the Southern Pacific railroad and the Colorado River Aqueduct underscore the vital infrastructure required to sustain growth in this arid landscape. To the north, Desert Hot Springs sits at the base of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, while the western portion of the map transitions into the high-altitude terrain of the San Bernardino National Forest. This survey provides a remarkable record of the diverse land use in the 1950s, ranging from tribal lands like the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation to remote outposts like the Whitewater Trout Farm and several recreational sites near Idyllwild, including the Riverside YMCA Camp and Black Mtn Camp.