1901 Map of Big Trees

About this map

The Mokelumne River and Middle Fork Stanislaus River carve through this high Sierra landscape, which was surveyed at the close of the 19th century. The terrain is defined by the legacy of early California industry and the nascent conservation movement, notably protecting the Calaveras Grove and Calaveras Big Trees South Grove. While vast reaches are designated as the Eldorado National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest, human activity is pervasive along the river canyons and ridges. Small settlements and specialized camps such as Swiss Ranch, Sheep Ranch, and American Camp indicate a landscape populated by miners and ranchers. The mapping of infrastructure like Parrott Ferry, Abbott Ferry, and Bloods Toll highlights the challenging transit routes of the era, while the Keltz Mine and Riverside Mine mark the persistent search for mineral wealth near the Fivemile creek drainage.