1962 Map of Knowles

About this map

Knowles and the surrounding granite-rich landscape of Madera County are captured here in the early 1960s, a period when the area's quarrying tradition remained a defining characteristic of the local economy. The presence of the Raymond Quarry and Madera Quarry highlights the industrial importance of this region, which provided stone for major architectural projects across California. The terrain is marked by the winding path of the Fresno River and numerous drainages like Coarse Gold Creek and Whisky Creek, which flow through canyons such as Wild Hog Canyon and Buzzard Canyon. High points like Lilley Mtn and Adkins Mtn provide context for the elevation, while the Red Top Lookout and Savage Monument serve as local landmarks. The southeastern portion of the map includes a section of the San Joaquin Experimental Range, illustrating the intersection of mining, ranching, and land management in this Sierra Nevada foothill environment.