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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

Empire Ranch serves as the focal point for this area of Pima County, situated at the eastern edge of the Coronado National Forest. This landscape is defined by its ranching heritage and early mining activity, with settlements like Greaterville and Rosemont Camp appearing alongside legacy sites such as the Helena Mine. The terrain is deeply incised by drainage networks including Davidson Canyon and Empire Gulch, where water sources like Rosemont Springs and Oak Tree Windmill were essential for sustaining cattle and homesteads.

The map details the transitional geography between the Empire Mountains and the surrounding basins. Genealogists and researchers can trace the locations of several family-named landmarks, such as Thurber Ranch and High Haven Ranch, and a small Cem near the historic townsite of Greaterville. The presence of numerous corrals, drill holes, and prospect sites highlights the dual economy of ranching and resource extraction that shaped the Santa Rita and Empire ranges during the late twentieth century.