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1955 Map of Independence Mountain

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Independence Mountain
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

Independence Mountain dominates this portion of Jackson County, showcasing a landscape defined by mid-century ranching and hydraulic engineering. The map reveals a complex network of irrigation, including the Valley Ditch and Bighorn Cattle Company Ditch, which supported high-altitude agriculture. Early 20th-century life is anchored by landmarks like the Threemile Sch and family operations such as Simmons Ranch and Waldron Ranch.

Resource extraction is evident in the southern reaches, where the Placer Mine and Mitchell Placer indicate historical mining activity along Placer Draw. The topography transitions from the steep slopes of Sugar Loaf to the more level areas served by the Huntington (Abandoned) Ditch, illustrating the persistent effort to manage water in this arid environment through features like Threemile Reservoir and the Enlargement and Extension canal system.