1902 Map of Florence

About this map

Mining operations and cattle ranching dominate this turn-of-the-century Pinal County landscape, anchored by the seat at Florence. The terrain rises sharply from the Gila River valley into the Superstition Mountains and the canyons of the Tonto National Forest. Notable mineral interests are evident at Silver King, the Silver Bell Mine, and the settlement of Reymert, while the Arizona Eastern railroad follows the river through Cochran and Price. This 1902 survey, reprinted in 1950, documents a network of family-named outposts such as Bark's Ranch, Whitfords Ranch, and Donnelly Ranch that served as vital hubs in the high desert. The presence of the Butte Reservoir Site and the Casa Grande Valley canal system illustrates early efforts to manage water for the region's agricultural growth, even as rugged landmarks like Weavers Needle and Picketpost Mt. remained largely untouched by development.