1947 Map of Bear Valley

About this map

Bear Valley sits at the heart of this mid-century survey of the Bullion Mountains, illustrating the deep intersection of California gold mining history and early aviation. The landscape is heavily marked by the region's extraction heritage, featuring a cluster of named operations including the Pine Tree Mine, French Mine, and the Mountain King Mine (Abandoned). These sites are concentrated along the steep drainages feeding the Merced River and Bear Creek. Settlement patterns are defined by small outposts and agricultural clearings like Trabucco Gardens and Pendola Gardens, while the Bear Valley Sch serves as a community anchor. In the south, the emergence of the Mariposa-Yosemite Airport and an Airway Beacon near Mt Bullion signifies the area's transition toward modern infrastructure. Local geography is further detailed through family-named landmarks such as Fremont Peak and the high point of Telegraph Hill.