1987 Map of Dolomite

About this map

Owens Lake and its evolving shoreline dominate this landscape on the edge of the Inyo Mountains. The map documents a transition from industrial activity to historical preservation, marked by the Owens Lake Silver-Lead Furnace Historical Marker near Swansea. This area, once a center for silver smelting in the late 19th century, is shown here with its transportation legacy intact via the Old R.R. Grade and a Tramway ascending the steep eastern slopes. The settlement of Dolomite sits along the Levee system that tracks the northeastern edge of the basin. The terrain is characterized by sharp contrasts, where the flat Owens Valley floor meets the alluvial fans of Long John Canyon. Numerous labels for Prospect and Quarry sites throughout the mountains indicate the persistent mineral interest that defined this region's economy.