1960 Map of Mackay

About this map

Mackay serves as the focal point of this 1960 survey, situated at the base of the massive White Knob Mountains within the Challis National Forest. The local economy of the mid-20th century is clearly etched into the landscape through the extensive mining operations found in the mountains to the west, including the Empire Mine, Horseshoe Mine, and the Cossack Tunnel. The Big Lost River dominates the valley floor, regulated by the Mackay Dam and fueling an intricate network of irrigation such as the Nielson Ditch and Swauger Ditch.