1941 Map of McPherson Peak

About this map

The Sierra Madre Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains dominate this 1941 survey of the California backcountry, where isolated ranching outposts like Hinsdale Ranch and Grey Ranch dot the landscape. In the northern corridor along the Cuyama River, the small settlement of Foothill and the Wasioja Sch serve as the primary markers of community. The map reveals a rugged terrain of deep canyons, such as Cottonwood Canyon and Bates Canyon, where early forest management and fire observation are evidenced by the McPherson Peak Lookout Tower and the White Oaks Guard Station. Further south, the high plateau of Hurricane Deck overlooks the Sisquoc River, and the San Rafael Primitive Area preserves a portion of the forest that remains largely untouched by development, save for remote locations like Montgomery Potrero and a single unnamed Mine.