1949 Map of Lucerne Valley

About this map

Lucerne Valley marks the high-desert transition where the arid expanse of Lucerne Dry Lake meets the northern slopes of the San Bernardino National Forest. This 1940s landscape is defined by its mining heritage and emerging lakeside communities, with Big Bear Lake serving as a southern anchor. Numerous extractive sites like the Doble Mine (Aband) and Texas Rock Quarry punctuate the mountain terrain, while high-altitude basins like Holcomb Valley and Arrastre Flat show the footprints of early San Bernardino County prospecting. The shoreline of the lake is already developing with settlements such as Big Bear City, Minnelusa, and Fawnskin, alongside local landmarks like the Big Bear Lake Ranger Sta and China Gardens. The map also captures infrastructure of the era, including the Midway Sch and the Landing Strip near the Box S Ranch.