1950 Map of Confidence Hills

About this map

Death Valley (Depression) dominates this mid-century survey, revealing a landscape defined by extreme topography and early desert industry. The Amargosa River cuts through the basin, passing geologic landmarks such as Shore Line Butte and the structural narrows of the Confidence Hills. The map documents a history of extraction at the Desert Hound Mine and Ashford Mine, along with the remains of processing facilities including the Ashford Mill (Ruins) and the Confidence Mill (Site). These sites, connected by primitive desert tracks, illustrate the isolation of mining operations within the Death Valley National Monument. Key travel corridors such as Jubilee Pass provide passage between the Black Mountains and the Owlshead Mountains, while scattered water sources like Bradbury Well and Rhodes Spring mark essential waypoints for travelers in this arid environment along the Inyo and San Bernardino county line.