1947 Map of Trona

About this map

Searles Lake and the mining hub of Trona anchor this mid-century survey of the California desert. The map documents a landscape defined by isolated industrial outposts and expansive dry lake beds like Soda Lake and Harper Lake. Extensive mining activity is evident near the Summit Range, where the towns of Randsburg, Johannesburg, and Atolia clustered along the rail lines. Further east, the Camp Irwin Military Reservation occupies a massive swath of territory south of Death Valley National Monument. The transit network of the era is clearly defined, showing the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific railroads navigating the complex terrain of the Argus Range and Owlshead Mountains. Numerous remote water sources, such as Saratoga Spring and Lone Willow Spring, remain critical landmarks for navigation across the Panamint Valley and Indian Wells Valley.