1935 Map of Mt. Emma

About this map

Wagon Wheel Ranch and the towering peak of Mt Emma anchor this 1935 survey of the San Gabriel Mountains within the Angeles National Forest. Published as an advance sheet by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the map reveals a landscape defined by dramatic elevation changes and a network of seasonal water sources. The presence of Kentucky Springs and a Gaging Station on Little Rock Creek highlights the critical importance of water management in this arid montane environment during the mid-1930s. The topography is intricately detailed, showing the steep descents into Aliso Canyon and Box Canyon, while a prominent Firebreak cutting across the ridges illustrates early forest fire prevention infrastructure. This document captures the wilderness character of Los Angeles County before modern suburban expansion reached these heights.