1892 Map of Modoc Lava Bed

About this map

The volcanic expanse of the Modoc Lava Bed dominates this reconnaissance survey, a landscape defined by jagged Lava Ridges, craters, and the towering peak of Glass Mt. To the north, the water levels of Lower Klamath Lake and Tule Lake are shown as they existed before modern reclamation projects fundamentally altered the regional hydrology. Within Tule Lake, Snake Island and Bloody Point stand as prominent landmarks of the Modoc War era, with the Modoc Rifle Pit noted nearby. Settlement is sparse and concentrated primarily along watercourses like the Pit River, where small communities such as Bieber, Burgettville, and Pittville served as early regional hubs. The presence of a Ferry on the Pit River and various water holes and springs emphasizes the critical importance of reliable transit and water sources in this high-desert environment.