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1951 Map of Desert Peak

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Desert Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

The Trinity Range and Hot Springs Mountains dominate this 1951 survey of Churchill and Pershing Counties, revealing a landscape defined by mining activity and historic migration corridors. Early industrial sites such as the Copper Queen Mine, Mule Train Mines, and various Diatomaceous Quarry locations are scattered across the high desert terrain. The map's eastern edge transitions into the Alkali Flat (Depression) and the Stillwater Wildlife Management Area near the Humboldt Slough, highlighting the stark contrast between the arid peaks and the low-lying sinks.

Transportation history is deeply etched into the region, with the Southern Pacific railroad corridor running parallel to several iterations of the Old California Trail. These routes, including the Central Pacific (West Road) and the Carson River Route, trace the evolution of travel through this difficult territory from pioneer wagon trails to mid-century rail infrastructure. Small outposts like Jessup, Huxley, and Parran serve as markers of the area's sparse but vital settlement pattern during the mining era.