1956 Map of Copper Mtn

About this map

The Naval Bombing Range dominates the southern landscape of this 1956 survey, indicating the mid-century military presence in the Diablo Range. This rugged territory in Stanislaus County is defined by a dense network of canyons and gulches, including Hospital Canyon, Murderers Gulch, and Windmill Canyon. Ranching and mining history is evident at the Gerber Ranch (Site) and the Adobe Mine, while recreation is established at Frank Raines Park along Del Puerto Creek. The map records numerous water sources essential for survival in this arid terrain, such as Salt Grass Springs and Fellows Spr. Elevations reach their peak at Copper Mtn, overlooking a landscape of flats like Washington Flat and Ballard Flat that provided rare level ground for early settlers and livestock.