1939 Map of Mt. Wilson

About this map

The Mt Wilson Observatory crowns the summit of this high-altitude landscape, reflecting an era when these peaks served as a primary hub for both scientific advancement and mountain recreation. Situated within the Angeles National Forest, the terrain is defined by the steep descent from the San Gabriel Mountains into deep drainages like Big Tujunga Canyon and the West Fork San Gabriel River. The network of canyons hosted a thriving culture of backcountry retreats and resorts reachable by trail and early automotive routes, including Opids Camp, Sturtevant Camp, and Fern Lodge. The map also captures the essential infrastructure of forest management and fire prevention during the 1930s and 1940s, noting the Vetter Mtn Lookout, the West Fork Guard Sta, and the early progress of the Angeles Crest Highway.