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1951 Map of Keeler

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Keeler
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1957
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1957

About this map

Keeler sits at the edge of the receding Owens Lake, serving as a focal point for the region's industrial and transport history during the mid-century. The infrastructure of the Southern Pacific railroad and a specialized Tramway underscore the importance of mineral extraction, connecting the town to the nearby Soda Products Plant and extensive Soda Evaporators on the dry lake bed. This network reveals the transition from a traditional rail hub to an industrial landscape focused on chemical and mineral recovery from the Owens Valley's saline deposits.

To the east, the Inyo Mountains rise sharply, dotted with mining operations like the Sierra Talc Mine and numerous unnamed shafts and prospects. Settlement is sparse, but significant landmarks like the Adamson Landing Field and the curious Dirty Socks (Hot Spring) indicate the specialized use of this desert terrain. The presence of the L A Aqueduct along the western edge highlights the critical role of water management in shaping the development of the valley.