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1945 Map of Happy Valley

Name: 1945 Topographic Map of Happy Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1945
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1945

About this map

The San Pedro River carves a critical path through this landscape, marking a transition from the Rincon Mountains to the arid expanse of Galleta Flat. During the early 1940s, the area supported a network of remote family cattle operations, including the Ada Miller Ranch, John Keith Ranch, and Pacheco Ranch. The geography is defined by significant elevations like Lechuguilla Pk and Wildhorse Mtn, while the Saguaro National Monument Boundary frames the western edge of the survey.

Historical occupation is evident along the riverbanks, where the map identifies Indian Ruins and the Site of Tres Alamos, reflecting long-standing human presence near reliable water sources like Ash Creek. The isolated community of Pomerene and the Apodaca Sch served the scattered residents, while aviation technology of the era is represented by an Airway Beacon located south of the rugged Hells Gate.