1959 Map of Black Peak

About this map

The Colorado River serves as the primary artery through this desert landscape, carving a path that separates San Bernardino Co and Yuma Co while defining the border between California and Arizona. The terrain is characterized by the stark contrast between the elevated Buckskin Mountains and the sprawling Cactus Plain to the south. This era shows an intense history of resource extraction, with numerous claims such as the Mineral Hill Mines, Mammon Mine, and Eagles Nest Mine dotting the ridges. Settlement is sparse, concentrated near the water at Cross Roads and Cienega Springs. The lower margin of the map is dominated by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe railroad, indicating the importance of heavy transport in connecting these remote mining districts to the broader industrial network of the Southwest.