1970 Map of Davis Dam

About this map

Davis Dam stands as the central engineering feat of this desert landscape, spanning the Colorado River to separate the waters of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area from the downstream valley. The 1970 landscape reveals a transition from traditional resource extraction to modern energy and recreation, as seen in the proximity of the Katherine Mine and Katherine Extension Mine to the developing Lake Mohave Resort. Along the river banks, the nascent growth of Laughlin on the Nevada side and Bullhead City in Arizona is documented just as the region began to transform into a desert hub. On the Nevada side, the massive industrial footprint of the Mohave Generating Station with its extensive Slurry Ponds contrasts with the surrounding network of Jeep Trails and natural landmarks like Bulls Head Rock and Inscription Rock.