Loading map...

1950 Map of Garden Valley

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Garden Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1950
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1950

About this map

Eldorado National Forest dominates the eastern ridges of this 1950 survey, where the deep canyons of the South Fork American River define the southern border. The landscape is a legacy of California's gold country, marked by numerous industrial and community landmarks including the Taylor Mine, Nancy Lee Mine, and Black Oak Mine. The settlement of Garden Valley serves as a northern hub, connected to outlying locales like Kelsey and the riverside Chili Bar.

Evidence of local commerce and early infrastructure is scattered across the terrain, from the W Marshall Shop and Kelsey PO to the hydroelectric works at the Rock Creek Powerhouse. Educational life is well-documented through the presence of the Garden Valley Sch, Kelsey School, and Union School. Notable topographic features like Murphy Mtn, Gopher Hill, and Laumann Ridge provided natural landmarks for the 1940s residents living along the tributaries of Johntown Creek and Traverse Creek.