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1939 Map of Mt. Wilson

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

USGS Topo · Published 1939

About this map

The Mt Wilson Observatory crowns this 1930s survey, marking a period when these peaks served as a primary recreational and scientific retreat for the Los Angeles basin. This portion of the Angeles National Forest is characterized by a dense network of mountain camps and lodges, including Opids Camp, Valley Forge Lodge, and Sturtevant Camp, connected by steep trails and the early path of the Angles Crest Highway.

Water management and fire prevention are evident in the numerous firebreaks etched across the terrain and the presence of the West Fork Guard Sta along the West Fork San Gabriel River. For the local historian, the map preserves the exact locations of vanished resort culture landmarks such as Fern Lodge and Roberts Camp near the base of Santa Anita Canyon, alongside the fire lookout station atop Vetter Mtn Lookout.