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1956 Map of Olancha

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Olancha
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

Industrial activity along the western edge of Owens Lake defines the eastern corridor of this landscape, where the Southern Pacific railroad serves the shoreline settlements of Olancha, Cartago, and Bartlett. The extraction of minerals is evident at the Soda Evaporators and the Charcoal Kilns near the lake's margin. This transition from the arid valley floor to the high Sierra peaks is managed by critical infrastructure, including the Los Angeles Aqueduct and the Cottonwood Power Plant.

To the west, the terrain rises sharply into the Inyo National Forest and reaches the border of Sequoia National Park. High-altitude life is centered around Golden Trout Camp and numerous meadows such as Horseshoe Meadow and Mulkey Meadows. This 1950s survey captures the region just before significant changes in water management and recreation altered the balance between the industrial valley and the protected wilderness areas like Cirque Peak.