Old Maps of Big Bend, California for Metal Detecting
Plan your next treasure hunt with 13 historic maps of Big Bend. Find old homesites, ghost towns, trails, and gathering spots that may be lost to time — perfect for identifying promising metal detecting locations.
- Locate forgotten sites: Uncover places like long-lost settlements, abandoned rail lines, or gathering spots.
- Plan better hunts: Use map overlays combined with LiDAR or satellite views to narrow in on historically rich areas.
- Made for detectorists: Thousands of hobbyists use these maps to discover relics, coins, and hidden history.
Use these historic maps to boost your research and find new opportunities beneath the surface of Big Bend.
Big Bend, CA maps
(13)- 1886 Map of Modoc Lava Bed1886 Modoc Lava Bed1886 Print · USGSNortheastern California is surveyed here in the years following the Modoc War, showing the volcanic terrain of the Modoc Lava Bed and early river settlements. Trace pioneer history through Modoc Rifle Pits, a Ferry on the Pit River, and old outposts like Bieber and Lookout.
- 1892 Map of Modoc Lava-Bed1892 Modoc Lava-Bed1892 Print · USGSNortheastern California's volcanic terrain is meticulously charted in the 1890s, before modern irrigation altered the great northern basins. Genealogists and historians can locate early outposts like Burgettville, the Modoc Rifle Pit, and the high-altitude Ice Cave.7 unique versions available
- 1932 Map of Bartle1932 Bartle1932 Print · USGSThe timberlands of Siskiyou and Shasta counties are shown here in the early 1930s as logging and forestry infrastructure expanded. Researchers can locate remote outposts like Star City, rural schoolhouses including Island Dist Sch, and the Burney Fish Hatchery.
- 1939 Map of Bartle1939 Bartle1939 Print · USGSUpper California's timber and rail landscape is captured here in the late 1930s, showing the intersection of the McCloud River and Fall River drainages. Researchers can trace the M C Cloud River R R through Bartle and Pondosa, or locate remote sites like Kosk Sch and the Pilgrim Creek Nursery Guard Sta.3 unique versions available
- 1954 Map of Alturas, 1968 Print1954 Alturas1968 Print · USGSThe Modoc Plateau and Surprise Valley appear in the mid-1950s as a landscape of remote ranching towns and vast wildlife refuges. Researchers can trace early settlements like Fort Bidwell, locate the McArthur Grain Elevator, and follow the Southern Pacific rail lines.4 unique versions available
- 1958 Map of Alturas1958 Alturas1958 Print · USGSThe Modoc Plateau and Warner Mountains appear here during the late fifties, showcasing a landscape of high-desert ranching and volcanic terrain. Researchers can trace the rail-and-water economy through Alturas, Cedarville, and the Fort Bidwell Indian Res.2 unique versions available
- 1961 Map of Big Bend, 1963 Print1961 Big Bend1963 Print · USGSShasta County forest and river life are captured here in the early sixties, centered on the Pit River canyon. Local history researchers can trace the Big Bend Rancheria, locate the Indian Spr Sch, and follow the path of the McCloud River Railroad through the timber.2 unique versions available
- 1962 Map of Alturas1962 Alturas1962 Print · USGSThe high desert of Modoc and Siskiyou counties is shown in the early sixties as a hub of timber, rail, and agriculture. Genealogists and historians can trace rail-side life via the Southern Pacific RR, the Tionesta PO, and the McArthur Grain Elevator.
- 1965 Map of Alturas1965 Alturas1965 Print · USGSNortheastern California and southern Oregon appear in this mid-century survey of the high plateau and volcanic highlands. Researchers can trace the path of the Southern Pacific railroad through Alturas or locate rural outposts like Stronghold and Eagleville.
- 1984 Map of McArthur1984 McArthur1984 Print · USGSThe northern California high country near McArthur is captured in the mid-1980s, showcasing a landscape of volcanic peaks and river valleys. Genealogists and historians can trace the rail connections at Nubieber and Bieber, or locate family sites near Pittville and Glenburn.
- 1990 Map of Big Bend1990 Big Bend1990 Print · USGSShasta County during the early 1990s reveals a landscape of tribal lands, forest camps, and thermal springs. Explore the vicinity of Big Bend to find the Big Bend Rancheria, the Indian Springs Sch, and the riverside Hunt Hot Spring.
- 1998 Map of Big Bend, 2003 Print1998 Big Bend2003 Print · USGSBig Bend and the Pit River region are captured here in the late nineties as a mix of national forest recreation and tribal lands. Researchers can locate the Big Bend Rancheria, trace the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, and find the Big Bend Hot Sprs.
- 2021 Map of Big Bend, 2021 Print2021 Big Bend2021 Print · USGSBig Bend and the Pit River canyon are documented in the 2020s, showing a landscape shaped by thermal springs and forest management. Researchers can locate the Big Bend Indian Cem, trace the waters of Iron Canyon Reservoir, and explore Big Bend Hot Springs.
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