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1957 Map of Phoenix

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

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

The Salt River Valley and surrounding mountain ranges in the mid-1950s showcase a region in transition, balancing established agriculture with rapid suburban expansion and military utility. Modern development is anchored by Phoenix, Glendale, and Peoria, while the surrounding desert remains dominated by massive topographic features like the Harquahala Mountains and the White Tank Mountains. The military's footprint is extensive, marked by Luke Air Force Base and its network of auxiliary fields, alongside the Litchfield Park Naval Air Station.

Resource extraction and industry appear throughout the desert interior, with noted locations such as the Vulture Mine, Hercules Mine, and Eagle-Eye Mine. Infrastructure for the era's automotive and heavy industry is evident at the Caterpillar Tractor Proving Ground. Significant natural landmarks, including the Kofa Game Range and the Gila River Indian Reservation, define the southern and western reaches, while the Hassayampa River and Agua Fria River cut across the landscape toward the Gila River.