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1955 Map of Emerald Bay

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Emerald Bay
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

The turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe dominate the northern extent of this mid-century survey, revealing a landscape defined by seasonal recreation and conservation. Along the shore of Emerald Bay, the notable Vikingsholm estate stands near Fannette Island, while the surrounding terrain is protected within D L Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park. To the south, the deep basin of Fallen Leaf Lake is framed by the steep ascent of Mt Tallac and Cathedral Peak, illustrating the dramatic glaciated topography of the Sierra Nevada.

Settlement patterns in the mid-1950s are concentrated along the lake's edge and the southern meadows of Lake Valley. Developed sites like Camp Richardson, Tallac Village, and Tahoe Valley show the growth of tourism infrastructure during this era. Further inland, the map traces the early road networks and trails within Eldorado National Forest, including Glen Alpine Road and specialized landmarks such as the Angora Lookout and Bay View Guard Station.