Loading map...

1959 Map of Earthquake Valley

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Earthquake Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park encompasses much of this desert landscape, where historical transit corridors intersect. The Old Overland Stage Route winds through the valley floor, passing the San Felipe-Butterfield Stage Station Historical Marker near Scissors Crossing. This topography reveals the critical role of water and passage in the arid terrain, anchored by the Sentenac Cienaga and various named canyons like Box Canyon and Rodriguez Canyon.

Evidence of small-scale extraction and early settlement is found at several Prospect sites and the Banner settlement. The map highlights distinct landforms such as Grapevine Mtn and the North Pinyon Mountains, while the Yaquitepec Site on Ghost Mtn provides a specific point of interest for local history. From the steep ascent of Foot and Walker Pass to the isolated Blair Valley Ranger Sta, the sheet documents the sparse infrastructure of the mid-century California desert.