Loading map...

1973 Map of Ridgecrest South

Name: 1973 Topographic Map of Ridgecrest South
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

Ridgecrest serves as a developing desert hub in this early 1970s survey, marked by the intersection of China Lake Boulevard and Ridgecrest Boulevard. The town's infrastructure is clearly visible, featuring civic landmarks like the City Hall, Post Office, and Courthouse, alongside educational centers such as Monroe Sch and St Ann Sch. To the south, the academic presence of Cerro Coso Jr College sits on the edge of more rugged terrain where the Indian Wells Valley meets the mountainous landscape.

Extractive industry and transportation play a significant role in the region's character. The Southern Pacific tracks run through the southern portion of the map, while several mining sites like the Goldbug Mine and various Prospects suggest the area's geological importance. The map also delineates the extensive Corporate Boundary and the proximity to the Naval Weapons Center and Desert Memorial Park, illustrating the mix of government, residential, and industrial land use in Kern County.