1951 Map of Downieville

About this map

Downieville and its surrounding gold-country outposts are depicted here at a mid-century moment of transition, still showing the profound footprint of the 19th-century hydraulic and lode mining industries. The map illustrates a landscape of high ridges and deep ravines where numerous historical settlements and "sites" cluster, such as Howland Flat, Port Wine, and Gibsonville. The presence of labels like Thistle Shaft (Site) and Deadwood Diggings indicates where former mining operations have left their mark on the Sierra Nevada geography. High-elevation transport is represented by the historic Hennes Pass Road, while the steep terrain is punctuated by landmarks like Table Rock and Mt Fillmore. This survey serves as a vital record for researchers tracing the evolution of Plumas and Sierra Counties, showing the relationship between early mining camps and the surviving town centers of the North Fork Yuba River canyon.