1949 Map of Vidal

About this map

The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad serves as the primary artery through this desert corridor, connecting the small communities of Vidal and Grommet. Near the San Bernardino Base Line, Vidal Junction functions as a critical highway crossroads, noted here for its Plant Quarantine Station. The landscape is defined by the massive infrastructure of the Colorado River Aqueduct, which cuts across the northern terrain through a series of siphons and tunnels. To the south, the West Riverside Mountains and Riverside Mountains dominate the horizon, harboring remote operations like the Jacklin Mine, Jean Mine, and Gold Rice Mine. These labels provide a window into the mid-century mining and transit economy of the California desert, tracking the early path of the Blythe-Vidal Road before modern highway realignments.