1965 Map of McDowell Peak

About this map

The Mc Dowell Mountains dominate the central landscape of this Arizona survey, marking a rugged transition into the Tonto National Forest. In the mid-1960s, the terrain was primarily defined by high-altitude summits like Mc Dowell Peak and Thompson Peak, with human activity limited to the scattered prospects and the isolated Dixie Mine. Water sources such as Mountain Spring and Moore Well were critical landmarks in this arid environment. The map also captures the early northwestern expansion of the Scottsdale Corporate Boundary, as the desert floor of Paradise Valley began to meet the mountain slopes. The presence of a radio facility on Thompson Peak highlights the technological use of these peaks for communication across the valley during this era of regional growth.