1957 Map of San Bernardino

About this map

The San Bernardino Mountains and the arid expanse of the Mojave Desert dominate this mid-century survey, illustrating the stark contrast between the burgeoning Inland Empire and the high desert. In the valley, urban clusters like San Bernardino, Pomona, and Ontario show significant postwar growth, connected by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe RR and several major U.S. highways. To the north and east, the landscape is defined by massive military installations, including Edwards AFB and George AFB, alongside the protected wilderness of the San Bernardino National Forest and Joshua Tree National Monument. The map records a transition from traditional mining operations, such as the Sunshine Mine, toward a permanent military and recreational presence at Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake. Local-history researchers can also identify the San Manuel Indian Reservation and several dry lake beds like Lucerne Lake that characterize the regional hydrology.