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1949 Map of Foresthill

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Foresthill
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

Gold-bearing ridges and deep river canyons characterize this mid-century survey of the California gold country, where the legacy of hydraulic and hard-rock mining is etched into the landscape. Foresthill serves as the primary hub, showing a Landing Strip and Ranger Station adjacent to the town center. The map details a high concentration of mineral claims and historical workings, from the California Morning Star Mine near Iowa Hill to the Mayflower Mine and Placer Diggings near Yankee Jims.

Transport and industry are shaped by the steep descent toward the North Fork American River and the Middle Fork American River. Numerous family-named homesteads and camps like Ebberts Ranch and Baker Ranch are scattered throughout the Tahoe National Forest. The map also captures infrastructure like the Old Sugar Pine Guard Station and Hughes Mill, illustrating the region's shift between timber harvesting and gold exploration.