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1955 Map of Mid Hills

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Mid Hills
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1970
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1970

About this map

Arid highlands and deep canyons define this landscape in the eastern Mojave, where the historic Old Government Road snakes through Cedar Canyon toward the springs at Government Holes. In the mid-1950s, this region was a network of remote mining operations and vital water sources. Prominent peaks like Columbia Mtn and Hackberry Mtn overlook a series of valleys, including Pinto Valley and Gold Valley, which supported isolated camps and shafts.

The presence of the Union Pacific line near Cima at the northwestern corner provides a stark contrast to the interior's primitive tracks. Mining activity is widespread, with named operations such as the Death Valley Mine, Silver Lead Mine, and Gold Valley Mine scattered across the mountains. Water was the lifeblood of this desert terrain, evidenced by numerous labeled springs like Butcher Knife Spring, Wildcat Spring, and Mexican Water Spring that served as critical stopovers for travelers and prospectors alike.