1955 Map of Cisco Grove

About this map

The high Sierra Nevada landscape depicted in this mid-century survey is defined by the steep canyon of the South Yuba River, where the Southern Pacific railroad follows the contours of the terrain through a series of tunnels. This critical transportation corridor passes through the historic mountain settlements of Cisco Grove and Big Bend, as well as the high-altitude pass at Yuba Gap. The map captures a moment when the region served as a hub for both industrial extraction and burgeoning outdoor recreation, evidenced by the presence of the Carlisle Mine near Old Man Mtn alongside the Marin-Sierra Boy Scout Camp and the 4H Club Camp. Significant water management features, including the Lake Valley Reservoir and various gaging stations, underscore the importance of the Tahoe National Forest watershed to the broader California infrastructure. Notable peaks like Signal Peak and Black Mtn tower over the Nevada and Placer County line, marking the divide between deep granite basins and alpine flats.