1949 Map of Garden Valley

About this map

Gold-bearing ridges and deep river canyons define this El Dorado County landscape as it appeared in the late 1940s. The South Fork American River carves a winding path along the southern edge of the quadrangle, where the American River Powerhouse and Chili Bar reflect the industrial utility of the waterway. This era of surveying captures the transition from historic mining camps to established mountain communities, with Garden Valley and Kelsey serving as primary hubs of activity. Numerous hard-rock operations including the Black Oak Mine, Alhambra Mine, and Taylor Mine are clearly marked, providing essential data for those tracing the mining history of the Mother Lode. The map also identifies local institutions such as Garden Valley Sch and the W Marshall Shop, alongside the rugged expanse of the Eldorado National Forest.