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1939 Map of Mt. Lowe

Name: 1939 Topographic Map of Mt. Lowe
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1939
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1939

About this map

The San Gabriel Mountains are shown in high detail during the late 1930s, highlighting a landscape defined by forest management and mountain tourism. This survey documents the complex network of firebreaks and fire stations, including Josephine Mtn 5558 Lookout, Waterman Guard Station, and the Arroyo Seco Ranger Station. The presence of the Los Angeles Schools Forestry Center indicates the era's focus on conservation and outdoor education.

Outdoor recreation and early mountain resorts are prominent, specifically the Mount Lowe Railway and its Cable Incline, which transported visitors to Echo Mountain and the Mt Lowe Tavern. These features, along with the Angeles Crest Highway and remote camps like Switzers Camp and Oakwilde, trace the history of southern California's relationship with its surrounding wilderness. The southern margin also notes the medical and educational footprint of the region with the La Vina Sanatorium.