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1953 Map of Ridgecrest

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Ridgecrest
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1955
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1955

About this map

Indian Wells Valley is defined by a mid-century military and mining landscape at the border of Kern and San Bernardino counties. The early growth of Ridgecrest and China Lake is clearly visible, centered around the Naval Reservation Boundary and aviation facilities at Armitage Field. Educational infrastructure like Burroughs High Sch and Monroe Sch anchors the residential sectors, while a Drive-In Theater and Davis Airport reflect the area's mid-1950s development.

To the south, the Rademacher Hills and surrounding terrain are dotted with gold and mineral prospects, including the Rademacher Mine and Stephens Holding Mines. The Southern Pacific railroad line cuts through the southern valley, serving the remote outposts and mining districts like Lonely Camp. The transition from the high desert floor to the Argus Range is punctuated by the massive Lone Butte and the vast, dry basins of Mirror Lake and Salt Wells Valley.