1939 Map of Cave Creek

About this map

The Mazatzal Mts and the winding Verde River dominate this 1930s landscape, illustrating a transition between the rugged high desert and the growing ranching interests of the Salt River Valley. This area shows a distinct mid-century western character, where working cattle operations like Browns Ranch and Cartwright Ranch existed alongside the emerging tourism of the Spur Cross Dude Ranch. The inclusion of the Mormon Girl Mine near Black Mtn highlights the persistent search for mineral wealth that defined early Maricopa County settlement. Remote outposts such as the Ashdale Ranger Sta and the Sears Kay Ranch are positioned among complex terrain features like Continental Mtn and Skull Mesa, providing a rare look at the network of backcountry trails and washes before the post-war expansion of Phoenix altered the rural character of Cavecreek.