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1948 Map of Paradise Peak

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Paradise Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1948
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1948

About this map

Mining operations and remote settlements define this high-desert landscape in the late 1940s, anchored by the industrial activities at Gabbs and the Sierra Magnesite Camp. The map documents a rugged transition from the flat expanses of Gabbs Valley and Lodi Valley to the steep elevations of the Toiyabe National Forest. Evidence of a booming mineral economy is everywhere, from the Victory Tungsten Mine to the Holly Mine and Sherman Mine, which are tucked into the canyons of the Paradise Range.

Local history is preserved in the location of the Downeyville (Site) and scattered watering points like Kellys Wells and Fort Wells, essential landmarks in an arid environment. The presence of the Gabbs Airport and the Gabbs Beacon indicates the importance of aerial navigation for these isolated communities. This survey provides a precise record of the road networks and topographical features surrounding Paradise Peak before modern development altered the footprint of these historic mining districts.