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1955 Map of Guerneville

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Guerneville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

Guerneville serves as the hub for this mid-century survey of the Russian River corridor, where seasonal recreation and industrial history meet among the redwoods. The southern portion of the map traces the winding Russian River through a series of riverside communities including Rio Nido, Hilton, and Hacienda. These settlements, often centered around vacation and resort culture like Odd Fellows Park, are hemmed in by the significant elevations of Mt Jackson and Black Mtn.

Away from the water, the landscape transitions to the resource-driven economy of Sotoyome. Evidence of earlier rural life is found in the scattered schoolhouses, such as the Ridenhour Sch and the already inactive Daniels School. The presence of the Sonoma Mine and various clearings like Scotts Opening indicates the ongoing role of extraction and timber. This era shows the region just before modern expansion, preserving the footprint of original Sawmill Road routes and established local landmarks like Armstrong Redwoods State Park.