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1940 Map of Gilroy Hot Springs

Name: 1940 Topographic Map of Gilroy Hot Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1940
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1940

About this map

Diablo Range peaks dominate this 1940 tactical map, which illustrates the complex canyon systems and cattle ranching landscape of the Santa Clara and Stanislaus county border. The eponymous Gilroy Hot Springs appears as a primary focal point in the west, while several family-named outposts like Dowdy Ranch and Connor Ranch are scattered throughout the interior. The presence of North Fork Dam and smaller water bodies such as Saffron Lake highlights the importance of water management in this arid, elevated terrain.

The topography transitions from the steep ridges of Mustang Peak and Pacheco Peak down toward the Santa Clara Valley and the historic land grants of Llano Del Tequisquita and Ausaymas Y San Felipe. This survey, revised by the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army using aerial photography, provides a clear view of the road network through Pacheco Pass, showing the infrastructure connecting the valley floor to the remote high country at the start of the 1940s.