1956 Map of Seventeen Palms

About this map

Seventeen Palms sits at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, a desert landscape shaped by ancient runoff and localized mining. The mid-century survey details a complex system of drainage, from the Arroyo Salada in the south to Rainbow Rock Wash in the north, punctuated by rare water sources like Four Palms Spring and Tipy Spring. This region was largely defined by the boundaries of the Torres Martinez Indian Reservation, which covers much of the northern and eastern terrain near the Salton Sea. The presence of the Calcite Mine and a local Gravel Pit indicates small-scale industrial activity in an area otherwise dominated by topography. Historically significant desert routes are visible, most notably the Truckhaven Trail which crosses the southern portion of the quadrangle, following the natural contours of Palm Wash.