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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

San Gabriel Mountains peaks and the steep canyons of the Angeles National Forest define this late-1930s survey, capturing the era of mountain tourism and early fire management. The intricate network of the Pacific Electric Scenic RR and the Mount Lowe Incline are clearly visible, tracing the path to the Mt Lowe Tavern and Inspiration Point. These landmarks represent the "Railway to the Clouds," a major engineering feat of the early 20th century that turned Mt Lowe and Echo Mountain into premier destinations.

Down in the canyons, the map records several early 20th-century outposts including Oakwilde, Switzers Camp, and the Los Angeles Schools Forestry Center. Fire protection infrastructure is prominent throughout the terrain, evidenced by numerous Firebreak lines and strategically placed outposts like the Waterman Guard Station and Sunset Ridge Guard Station. To the south, the mountain slopes meet the early residential fringes of the Los Angeles basin near La Vina Sanatorium and Alta Drive.