Loading map...

1960 Map of Mackay

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Mackay
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1962
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1962

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.

Genealogists will find significant local history in the presence of the Battleground Cem and Nigger Hill Cem, along with the small settlement of Houston. The Union Pacific Railroad tracks run parallel to the river, connecting these mountain outposts to the wider region. High-altitude peaks like Mt McCaleb and Lupine Mtn frame a terrain defined by deep canyons and critical water sources like Slaughterhouse Springs.