1957 Map of Yuha Basin

About this map

Yuha Basin dominates this late-1950s survey of the California-Mexico borderlands, revealing a landscape defined by arroyo drainage and fossilized history. The northern reaches are characterized by the Yuha Buttes and the notable Shell Beds, indicating the area's ancient geological origins. To the south, the international boundary between the United States and Mexico is clearly marked, paralleled by a network of unimproved roads and a Jeep Trail that traverse the desert floor. The drainage patterns of Yuha Wash and Pinto Wash illustrate the natural runoff systems of this arid region, while the presence of the W Side Main Canal and Dixie Drain 2 in the northeast corner signals the edge of the Imperial Valley's irrigation efforts during the era of Governor Goodwin J. Knight. Local landmarks such as Sunrise Butte and a Gravel Pit provide specific points of reference for those studying mid-century land use in Imperial County.