1907 Map of Mt. Whitney

About this map

Independence and the high desert settlements of the Owens Valley stand in stark contrast to the massive peaks of the Sierra Nat For and Inyo National Forest in this 1905 survey. The map records a landscape shaped by both dramatic geology and early transportation, featuring the prominent Earthquake Fault running parallel to the Southern Pacific System tracks. While the eastern half captures the valley floor and the Mojave-Owenyo Br, the western portion is dominated by the high crest of the Sierra Nevada, including Mt Whitney and Mt Baxter. Between these extremes, historical landmarks like Old Camp Independence and the high-altitude Onion Valley indicate the early routes and outposts that linked the desert floor to the alpine passes. The inclusion of the Bluebell Mine in the Inyo Mountains further illustrates the era's focus on identifying mineral wealth within the high-relief terrain.