1951 Map of Blue Lake

About this map

Blue Lake and Korbel anchor the western edge of this early 1950s terrain, where the Arcata and Mad River Railroad follows the winding course of the Mad River. The landscape is defined by its series of high summits and family-named prairies, reflecting an era of isolated ranching and timber activity. Remote outposts like the Ford Ranch, Angel Ranch, and Dollar Ranch are connected by mountain passes such as Lord Ellis Summit and Berry Summit. The map shows a transition from the river valley to the dense interior of the Six Rivers National Forest, with educational centers like Green Point Sch and Redwood School serving these mountain communities. Numerous creeks, including Maple Creek and the North Fork Mad River, dissect the ridges, revealing a topography of high meadows like Murphy Meadow and Christmas Prairie used by early 20th-century settlers.