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1949 Map of Bishop

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Bishop
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

Bishop serves as the primary hub of this high-altitude basin, where the complex irrigation of the Owens River valley meets the industrial interests of the mid-20th century. The landscape is defined by an extensive network of human-made water management, including the Mc Nally Canal, Rawson Canal, and Big Pine Canal, which divert water across the valley floor. To the north, the Volcanic Tableland rises abruptly, while the east is dominated by the steep slopes of the White Mountains.

Resource extraction is a visible driver of the local economy, with numerous mining operations such as the Rossi Tungsten Mine, Bishop Antimony Mine, and the Southern Belle Mine dotting the foothills. Transportation is anchored by the Southern Pacific railroad line passing through Laws, connecting small settlements like Poleta and Brockmans Corner to the wider region. Cultural and recreational sites are also evident, from the Paiute Shoshone Indian Reservation bordering the city to Keough Hot Springs in the south.