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1981 Map of Empire Ranch

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Empire Ranch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

The Empire Mountains and Santa Rita Mountains converge in this high-desert landscape, dominated by a network of ranching outposts and mineral prospects. At the heart of the area sits Empire Ranch, a significant cattle operation near Empire Gulch, while the southwestern corner preserves the mining-era footprint of Greaterville and its nearby Cem. The settlement pattern reflects the necessity of water in this arid environment, with named resources like Oak Tree Windmill, Maternity Well, and Barrel Spring supporting livestock across the Coronado National Forest.

Evidence of early industrial activity remains visible at Helena Mine and Rosemont Camp. The map also captures the transition of the landscape into the late 20th century, noting features such as the Airport and a Substation. Transport through the rugged terrain is marked by the winding paths through Davidson Canyon and along Sycamore Canyon, providing a detailed look at the ranching and mining genealogy of Pima County.