1956 Map of Superstition Mtn.

About this map

Superstition Mountain dominates the landscape of this mid-1950s Imperial Valley survey, rising sharply above the surrounding West Mesa. The map captures a rugged desert environment largely dedicated to military use, specifically within the expansive Naval Reservation that covers much of the southern half of the sheet. Within this area, a specific Target Area and various Jeep Trails suggest active use by the military during the Cold War era. Resource extraction and prospecting are also evident on the mountain's eastern slopes, where a Quarry and Prospect are noted. The presence of a Dry Lake south of the mountain underscores the arid climate of this part of California, where natural landmarks like Mosca and the Superstition peak served as essential navigational points for those traversing the desert before modernization.