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1956 Map of Valerie

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Valerie
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

The Torres Martinez Indian Reservation occupies much of this desert landscape, where the flat valley floor meets the steep eastern slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Cultural sites of deep historical significance are recorded here, most notably the Early Indian Fish Traps Petroglyphs near the base of the mountains. This area reflects a complex history of desert habitation and agriculture, evidenced by the scattered settlements of Valerie, 100 Palms, and Martinez, and the legacy of the former Torres (Site).

Water management is central to the layout of the land, with an extensive network of infrastructure including the Whitewater River and several Buried Water Pipelines. Local genealogy is anchored by the Martinez Cemetery and Toro Cem, while the northern portion of the map is dominated by the Thermal Airport, marking the mid-century intersection of indigenous land, rural desert life, and expanding aviation infrastructure.