1981 Map of Empire Ranch

About this map

Empire Ranch serves as a focal point for this 1981 survey of the northern Sonoita Valley, an area defined by long-standing ranching operations and mining history. The map detail extends from the Empire Mountains in the northeast to the settlement of Greaterville in the southwest, where a Cem and local Gulch systems like Sucker Gulch and Ophir Gulch indicate the legacy of early mineral exploration. The rugged topography is deeply etched by significant drainage networks, including Davidson Canyon and Empire Gulch, which supported isolated outposts such as High Haven Ranch and Thurber Ranch. Within the Coronado National Forest, evidence of industrial activity remains at Rosemont Camp and the Helena Mine, while numerous water sources like Oak Tree Windmill and Maternity Well highlight the critical infrastructure required for life in this arid landscape.