1951 Map of Coso Peak

About this map

Coso Range Reservation and the surrounding high desert of Inyo County are documented here just after the mid-century, revealing a landscape defined by isolated springs and mining prospects. The area is heavily marked by its mineral and geothermal history, with sites like the Silverspoon Mine, Mariposa Mine, and El Conejo Mine dotting the mountainous terrain. Water sources were the vital anchors for any activity in this arid region, evidenced by a network of springs including Coso Springs, Indian Gardens Spr, and China Gardens Spr. Settlement remains sparse and utilitarian, represented by remote outposts such as Dead End Cabin and the Junction Ranch. The presence of the Naval Reservation Boundary suggests the shift toward military land use that would come to define much of this territory, while topographical landmarks like Coso Pk and Louisiana Butte provide dramatic elevation context.