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1962 Map of Melones Dam

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Melones Dam
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1969
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1969

About this map

Melones Reservoir and Tulloch Lake dominate this 1962 landscape, marking the industrial transformation of the Stanislaus River canyon. The presence of the Melones Dam and Tulloch Dam highlights the era’s intensive focus on water management and hydroelectric power, with a Powerhouse situated downstream. This transition is further evidenced by the Central Ferry (Site) and the O'Byrne Ferry Historical Monument, indicating where older river crossings were superseded by modern reservoir infrastructure.

Legacy mining operations dot the terrain, reflecting the gold-rich geology of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Significant sites include the Lightner Mine near Lightner Peak and the Alto Mine tucked into Scorpion Gulch. The map also captures the local ranching and agricultural footprint through landmarks like Wagner Ranch and the open stretches of Peoria Basin, while an Old Railroad Grade traces a vanished path through the hills.