1961 Map of Lathrop Wells

About this map

The Amargosa Desert landscape during the early 1960s is defined here by the intersection of arid natural features and significant government activity. The small settlement of Lathrop Wells sits at a critical junction of routes, including 95 and 29, serving as a gateway for the surrounding region. The proximity of the Nevada Test Site to the northeast highlights the era's focus on nuclear research, a detail underscored by the mapping collaboration with the Atomic Energy Commission. Beyond the roads, the terrain is dominated by the prominent ridge of Yucca Mountain and the broad, dry expanse of Fortymile Wash. This survey details the utilitarian infrastructure of the period, from a localized Airstrip to scattered prospects and gravel pits, reflecting both the transportation needs and the small-scale mineral exploration of southern Nye County.