1955 Map of Emerald Bay

About this map

Emerald Bay State Park and the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape are captured in this mid-century topographic study, which highlights the transition from protected wilderness to growing alpine communities. The iconic Vikingsholm estate sits at the head of Emerald Bay, facing Fannette Island, while the southern shore shows the burgeoning development of South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Valley. To the west, the high-altitude terrain of the Desolation Wilderness is marked by a network of glacial lakes, including Azure Lake, Snow Lake, and Gilmore Lake, all shadowed by the massive Mt Tallac. The map documents early recreation and management infrastructure, from the Bay View Guard Station to the Angora Lookout. Along the lakefront, the established grounds of Camp Richardson and Baldwin Beach provide a contrast to the dense timber of the Eldorado National Forest.