1948 Map of Leach Lake

About this map

The Owlshead Mountains and Granite Mountains dominate this 1948 topographic study, showcasing a remote California landscape defined by mineral extraction and military expansion. Mining history is preserved through the Black Magic Mines and the New Deal Mine, highlighting the era's focus on the region's geologic potential. The northern boundary of the Camp Irwin Military Reservation meets the southern edge of Death Valley National Monument, illustrating the transition from preserved wilderness to active defense training grounds. Water sources are critical landmarks in this arid basin, including the ephemeral Leach Lake and scattered vital points like Owl Hole Springs and Desert King Spring. The presence of the Randsburg Road and the braided course of the Amargosa River provide further evidence of the primitive transportation and drainage networks during the late 1940s.