1915 Map of Owens Creek

About this map

Mariposa Creek and its many tributaries carve through this Central California landscape, illustrating the complex drainage patterns at the edge of the Sierra Nevada foothills during the early 20th century. Surveyed originally in 1915, the terrain is defined by the Merced Co Mariposa Co Boundary Line, which bisects a region transitioning from relatively flat valley floors to the rising elevation of the eastern hills. The map highlights the early transportation network of the era, including the Mariposa Road and Merced Road, which served as vital connections for remote ranching and farming communities. The sparse distribution of named points, such as references to the Cathay School and White Rock School, suggests a rural, low-density settlement pattern. Significant watercourses like Owens Creek, Miles Creek, and Bear Creek dominate the geography, serving as the primary landmarks for local navigation and land division.