1943 Map of Glenblair

About this map

Glenblair and the winding course of the Noyo River define this 1943 topography, recorded just as wartime aerial photogrammetry began to refine the mapping of these dense coastal watersheds. The landscape is a map of the timber industry’s reach, showing numerous logging outposts and infrastructure like Old Camp 19 and Caspar Lumber Co Camp 20. The California Western Railroad snakes through the canyon, connecting isolated stations at Northspur and Irmulco to the broader coast. To the south, the village of Comptche serves as a hub for family holdings like the Grimes Ranch and Russel Ranch, while the McKay School highlights the established rural community. This survey, reprinted from a military edition, captures the intricate drainage systems of the Big River and Albion River, providing a detailed look at the ranches and lumber camps that once dominated the redwood country of Mendocino County.