1952 Map of Mercury

About this map

The settlement of Mercury stands at the heart of this Cold War-era landscape, serving as the administrative and residential hub for the Nevada Proving Grounds. The map illustrates the specialized infrastructure required for nuclear testing and military operations, including a vital Aqueduct, a Pumping Station, and the primary Mercury Highway. To the east, the vast Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range extends across a series of prominent mountain chains, including the Spotted Range and the Desert Range. The topography is defined by significant barriers like Mercury Ridge and strategic points such as Checkpoint Pass. In the southern portion of the sheet, the expansive Indian Springs Valley provides a stark contrast to the high ridges, revealing the isolated and secure nature of this federal reservation in the early 1950s.