1967 Map of Black Butte NE

About this map

The Snake Mountains dominate the eastern edge of this terrain, where steep drainages flow westward into high-desert ranching country. Land use in the late 1960s is defined by the large holdings of Buena Vista Ranch and Marys River Ranch, illustrating the expansive cattle operations characteristic of Elko County. The landscape is a network of seasonal water sources and rugged transit, marked by a system of Jeep Trails that connect remote Springs and ephemeral watercourses. Key drainage systems, including Stormy Creek, Tabor Creek, and Pole Creek, carve through the basin, providing the essential water required for livestock and habitation in this arid environment. The map records a moment of minimal development, where the primary human footprint is found in the scattered ranch buildings and the primitive tracks used to navigate the high canyon country.