1964 Map of Astor Pass

About this map

The Western Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads dominate this high-desert landscape, converging near the small settlement of Sand Pass in the early 1960s. This region is defined by arid basins and steep ridges, including the Dry Valley and the northern reaches of the Virginia Mountains. The presence of several family-named and descriptive wells like Bonham Well, Double Check Well, and Fred True Well points to the vital importance of water management in this remote Nevada terrain. On the eastern edge, the map covers a portion of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation boundary, while the western side is occupied by the dry expanse of Lake Honey. Resource extraction is evident through scattered Marl Pits, Borrow Pits, and unnamed Prospects found among the Never Sweat Hills.