1947 Map of Mariposa

About this map

Sierra Nevada peaks and deep river canyons dominate this mid-century survey, which documents the High Sierra before the full expansion of post-war alpine tourism. The map detail highlights the rugged transition from the Merced River valley in the west to the high-desert terrain of the Owens River and White Mountains in the east. Yosemite National Park occupies the northwestern corner, featuring landmarks like the Glacier Point Hotel and the Crane Flat Ranger Station. The eastern slopes reveal a string of small settlements along the Southern Pacific rail line and U S 395, including Bishop, Laws, and Benton Station. Water management is a prominent theme, with major impoundments such as the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Lake Eleanor Reservoir, and the newly rising waters behind the Millerton Lake dam on the San Joaquin River. The map also preserves the footprint of high-altitude industry at the Casa Diablo Mine.