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1902 Map of Jackson

Name: 1902 Topographic Map of Jackson
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1911
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1911

About this map

The Mokelumne River carves a deep path through this Gold Country landscape, serving as the historical boundary line between Amador and Calaveras counties. Surveyed in the late 1880s, the map reveals a region defined by its transition from the early mining era to a rail-dependent economy. Hubs like Jackson and Sutter Creek are connected to the wider world via the Amador Branch Railroad, while the San Joaquin and Sierra Nevada Railroad terminates at Valley Springs.

Smaller settlements such as Lancha Plana, Camanche, and Jenny Lind dot the lower elevations, while higher up the slopes, places like Rich Gulch and Whiskey Slide speak to the area's prospecting roots. The inclusion of the Salt Spring Valley Reservoir and various ditches illustrates the critical importance of water management in this hydraulic and quartz mining district. The terrain is marked by prominent peaks such as Jackson Butte and Golden Gate Hill, which provided landmarks for travelers moving between the Mother Lode towns and the San Joaquin Valley.