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1941 Map of McPherson Peak

Name: 1941 Topographic Map of McPherson Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1956
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1956

About this map

The Cuyama River forms the northern boundary of this high-elevation landscape, where the Sierra Madre Mountains give way to the rugged interior of the Los Padres National Forest. Mapped in 1941, the survey reveals a remote ranching and forestry economy centered around scattered outposts like Hinsdale Ranch and the Wasioja Sch. The terrain is defined by a dense network of canyons, including Deadman Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon, leading up to prominent summits such as Peak Mountain and McPherson Peak, which is topped by a Lookout Tower.

Southern reaches of the map transitions into the San Rafael Mountains, encompassing the San Rafael Primitive Area. This section highlights the dramatic geography of the Hurricane Deck and the deep drainage of the Sisquoc River. Human presence is sparse, marked primarily by the White Oaks Guard Station, a lone Mine near Aliso Canyon, and several natural water sources such as Sulphur Spring and Dripping Spring that were vital for local navigation and land use during this era.