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1963 Map of Baxter Spring

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Baxter Spring
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

San Antonio Mountains and the Toquima Range dominate this mid-century survey of the Nevada desert, framing the broad basins of Big Smoky Valley and Ralston Valley. The landscape is defined by its critical water sources, including Baxter Spring, Indian Spring, and Spanish Spring, which likely served as vital stopovers for travelers and prospectors navigating the network of Jeep Trails that crisscross the terrain. Evidence of regional mining activity is centered on the San Antonio Mine and several gravel pits, illustrating the economic drivers of this arid corridor.

Industrial development is sparsely distributed but focused on water and transit, with features like San Antonio Well, Henry's Well, and a Water Tank positioned to support movement through the valley. A portion of the Toiyabe National Forest covers the northern peaks, where the topography rises sharply from the flats. This map records the essential geography of the high desert before modern expansion, capturing the locations of historic wells and springs used by local ranchers and miners.