1948 Map of French Corral

About this map

South Yuba River and Middle Yuba River dominate this 1948 topographic landscape, reflecting the rugged water-management history of the Northern Mother Lode. The map documents a complex network of ditches, such as the Texas Hill Ditch and Excelsior Ditch, which once fed hydraulic mining operations like the San Juan Mine. Settled areas like French Corral and Birchville sit atop the ridges, while the Colgate Powerhouse marks an early era of hydroelectric development near the river junction. Historical sites like Rice Crossing and the Bridgeport crossing, with its nearby Cemetery, provide important markers for genealogists tracing early families in the region. The map also includes the northern reach of Harry L Englebright Lake and the rural community of Dobbins near Lake Francis.