1954 Map of Grasshopper Valley

About this map

Grasshopper Valley and its surrounding high-desert basins are defined here by a complex network of seasonal drainages and stock-management infrastructure in the mid-1950s. The landscape is structured by prominent ridges like Dry Valley Ridge and Grasshopper Ridge, which isolate the flat, expansive Madeline Plains to the northeast. Human presence is centered on ranching and conservation, evidenced by the Madeline Plains Waterfowl Management Area and scattered landmarks like Monroe Corrals. Transportation is anchored by the Southern Pacific railroad line running along the eastern margin, serving small stops such as Sylvia. The map also documents essential water resources in this arid environment, ranging from Said Valley Reservoir to Bailey Reservoir, and provides a genealogical touchstone at the lonely Dry Valley Cemetery.