1943 Map of Vidal

About this map

The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad cuts a diagonal path across this desert landscape, serving as the primary corridor for commerce and movement through the eastern Mojave. Prepared under the direction of the Commanding General for the California-Arizona Maneuver Area, this document highlights critical infrastructure during the Second World War. The massive Metropolitan Water District Aqueduct is a dominant engineering feature, punctuated by specific water supply points like W-120 and W-60. Small settlements such as Vidal and Grommet are positioned along the rail line, while the rugged Riverside Mountains and Old Woman Mountains define the local topography. This specialized military survey provides essential data on water availability and road classifications, including the Parker Highway, reflecting the strategic importance of this arid region during wartime training exercises.