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1956 Map of Mescal Creek

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Mescal Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1968
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1968

About this map

Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest dominate the southern portion of this landscape, where the high ridges of the San Gabriel Mountains drop toward the high desert. The area is notable for its dense concentration of mid-century organizational retreats and mountain camps, including YMCA Camp, Camp Teresita Pines, and All Nations Camp. These sites are clustered around Big Pines and Jackson Lake, illustrating the region's historical role as a recreational refuge for southern California residents.

To the north, the terrain transitions into the alluvial fans of the Antelope Valley. The survey captures the early development of Pinon Hills and the alignment of major thoroughfares like Pearblossom Highway and Antelope Highway. Local industry and scientific pursuit are evidenced by a Quarry in the southeast and the Smithsonian Observatory atop Table Mountain, providing a unique record of the diverse land use in this transitional environment.