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1962 Map of Knights Ferry

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Knights Ferry
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1987
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1987

About this map

Knights Ferry serves as the focal point of this landscape where the Stanislaus River emerges from the foothills into the eastern Central Valley. The map documents a sophisticated water management network essential to California's development, featuring the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, the South Main Canal, and Cashman Dam. This engineering infrastructure sits alongside older traces of industry, such as the Smith Mine on the slopes of Table Mountain and several Gravel Pits along the riverbanks.

Evidence of early transport and settlement patterns is preserved through the route of the Sierra Railroad and named landmarks like Lovers Leap and Cape Horn. The historical community at Martells and the proximity of Churchs and a local Cemetery highlight the domestic life of the Rancheria Del Rio Estanislao land grant area. Steep terrain and canyons are bypassed by features like the Cape Horn Tunnel, illustrating the mid-century transition from pioneer trails to modern utility corridors.