1894 Map of Granite Range

About this map

Pyramid Lake and its neighboring Winnemucca Lake anchor this reconnaissance of the Great Basin during the late 19th century. The mapping, compiled from the earlier Wheeler and King surveys, highlights the arid transition between the high mountain ranges and the sprawling alkaline basins. A distinct Salt Works near the center of the sheet indicates the early industrial utilization of the Mud Flat regions. The landscape is defined by its massive vertical relief, stretching from the water's edge at The Needles to the summit of Granite Peak. Transportation routes are sparse, though Astor Pass provides a navigable corridor through the volcanic terrain of the Virginia Mountains. Scattered water sources like Sheep-head Spring and Hot Springs were critical markers for travelers and surveyors navigating the Washoe region and the Nevada California Boundary Line.