This pictorial map of the Coachella Valley was published in 1959 by the Indio Chamber of Commerce. It offers a quintessentially Midcentury representation of attractions and sites within a 70-minute drive from Indio, California. It is one of the few such maps for Indio that we have encountered.
In the post-World War II era, there was a noticeable rise in domestic tourism in the United States, attributable to the growth of automobile accessibility. Indio, situated in the Coachella Valley, was a significant point of interest due to its blend of year-round warm climate and burgeoning recreational offerings. Its location and diverse attractions contributed to its appeal as a travel destination.
The map provides a thorough overview of attractions, highlighting natural locales such as the Joshua Tree National Monument and the Salton Sea, as well as various cultural and recreational sites. These features give both a practical guide for potential visitors and a snapshot of the region's offerings during that period.
Accompanying the map, additional text and illustrations promote Indio's positioning as a central location in the California desert region. This emphasis on Indio's role in the broader regional context indicates its relevance and importance as a travel hub during the 1950s.