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1949 Map of Brandenburg Mtn

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Brandenburg Mtn
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1962
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1962

About this map

Aravaipa Canyon cuts a deep path through this Pinal County landscape, serving as the primary geological artery for a network of drainages including Virgus Canyon and Ash Creek. The 1949 field survey documents a series of established ranching outposts and family sites along the watercourses, such as Wagner Ranch, Woods Ranch, and the specifically noted Hortons Place. The presence of Painted Cave Ranch near the center of the sheet suggests a long-standing human connection to the area's sheltered alcoves.

Transportation in this era was defined by primitive roads and trails linking these isolated homesteads and camps. Higher elevations are marked by distinctive landmarks like Brandenburg Mtn and Periz Peak, while the canyon floor provided the essential water and shelter for the local economy. The detailed mapping of various tanks and springs, such as Burro Water (Spr) and Carrico Spring, highlights the critical importance of water management in this arid environment.