1902 Map of Deep Creek

About this map

The Ord Mountains rise sharply above the southern edge of the Mohave Desert in this turn-of-the-century topographic record. The landscape is defined by the transition from arid desert flats to the high timber of the Angeles National Forest. Water is the primary driver of activity here, with Deep Creek and its many tributaries, such as Grass Valley Creek and Holcomb Creek, carving through the steep canyons. Early industry and settlement are sparse but significant, featuring the Sawmill in the southwestern corner near Little Bear Valley and Rock Springs tucked into the head of Arrastre Canyon. The presence of the Coxey Ranch and the named flats like Little Pine Flat and Big Pine Flat illustrate the high-country ranching and timber extraction that predated the region's later development as a recreational destination.