1943 Map of Pinkham Well

About this map

The Joshua Tree National Monument dominates this desert landscape, where high mountain ranges meet the arid expanse of the Pinto Basin. Surveyed by the War Department and Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army during the Second World War, the map illustrates a region defined by isolation and mineral exploration. The Hexie Mountains and Pinto Mountains flank the basin, while localized points of interest like Blondy, Jessie, and Bingo mark specific sites across the rugged terrain. These names, along with others like Lucy and Mary, often suggest small-scale mining or survey camps common to the era. Economic activity is anchored by the El Dorado Mine and the Golden Bee Mine, while the vital Pinkham Well provides a rare water source. The road network is sparse, centered on the West Pinto Basin Road and the crossing at Cottonwood Pass.