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1959 Map of Parker Dam

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Parker Dam
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

Lake Havasu dominates this mid-century desert landscape, serving as a critical reservoir managed within the Havasu Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The map details the massive water engineering of the era, centered on Parker Dam and the Whitset Intake, which marks the beginning of the Colorado River Aqueduct system. Nearby industrial and infrastructure features include the Gene Pumping Sta and various siphons and tunnels that move water through the Whipple Mountains.

Beyond the water projects, the map traces older footprints of desert life, from mining operations like the El Campo Mine and Manitowoc Mine to remote outposts such as Kohen Ranch. Natural springs, including Screwbean Spring and Mohave Springs, are mapped alongside recreational spots like Black Meadow Landing and Larned Landing. The topography transitions from the jagged Castaneda Hills to the broad Bill Williams River valley, capturing a specific moment in the development of the Lower Colorado River basin.