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1948 Map of Picketpost Mtn

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Picketpost Mtn
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1961
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1961

About this map

Picketpost Mountain dominates the southern landscape of this 1948 survey, casting its shadow over a region shaped by the mineral wealth of the Tonto National Forest. The Magma Arizona Railroad tracks cut through the central valley, connecting key transit points like Queens Station and Hewitt Station to the broader industrial network. This era shows the intersection of natural preservation and commerce, where the Thompson Arboretum and Picketpost Inn provide a stark contrast to the nearby Millsite and the Y Bum Boy Mine (Aban'd).

Tracing the historical topography reveals the remains of the Old Pinal Townsite near the eastern margin, reflecting the transient nature of mining settlements. The presence of Gonzales Pass and numerous water sources like Benson Spr and Queen Well indicates how early travelers and prospectors navigated the complex terrain. From the high points of Byous Butte to the drainages of Queen Creek, the map records the infrastructure of a desert economy in transition.