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1973 Map of Pleasant Valley

Name: 1973 Topographic Map of Pleasant Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

The North Fork Owyhee River cuts through the high plateau of Owyhee County, defining a landscape dominated by livestock water management and expansive mesas. In the early 1970s, this area centered on the Pleasant Valley Place and Rays Res, illustrating the ranching infrastructure necessary for survival in this arid terrain. The map reveals an intricate network of water sources, from the curiously named Minks Drink and Joes Folly Reservoir to numerous family-named or descriptive points like Bills Spring and Teacup Spring.

Elevated landmarks like the Pleasant Valley Table and Boni Table overlook a system of drainages including Nickel Creek and East Fork Wilson Creek. The presence of the Indian Battleground Reservoir suggests a historical depth to the landscape beyond its modern pastoral use. This topographic study captures a moment when travel was still largely dictated by a single Jeep Trail and the natural flow of the high desert creeks.