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1921 Map of Gilroy Hot Springs

Name: 1921 Topographic Map of Gilroy Hot Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1921
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1921

About this map

The Diablo Range dominates this landscape along the boundary of Santa Clara and Stanislaus counties, as it appeared in the late 1910s. The canyon-scored terrain is anchored by remote outposts like Gilroy Hot Springs and the historic waystation at Bells Station along the Pacheco Road. This era reveals a pastoral economy of family-run operations including the Robeson Ranch, Dowdy Ranch, and O'Connor Ranch.

Topographical details like the high point at Kickham Peak and the drainage of Coyote Creek define the watershed before major modernization reached these summits. Traces of early settler life persist in labels like Kelly Cabin and Center Flats, while the presence of the San Luis Gonzaga land grant reflects the region's Spanish colonial heritage. The complex network of named canyons, such as Mustang Canyon and Chimney Canyon, suggests a landscape used primarily for grazing and transit across the range's challenging passes.