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1960 Map of Potter Valley

Name: 1960 Topographic Map of Potter Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

Potter Valley Rancheria and Redwood Valley Rancheria anchor this mid-century topographic study of Mendocino County, where the hydrology of the Eel River meets the headwaters of the Russian River. The map highlights the specialized water infrastructure of the era, including the Van Arsdale Res Spillway and its associated Gaging Sta and Powerhouse. This system facilitated the diversion of water from the Eel River watershed into the Potter Valley, a significant engineering feat for regional agriculture and power generation.

Rural life is documented through scattered settlements like Pomo, Hearst, and the Emandal Resort on the upper Eel. Transportation routes are clearly defined, from the Northwestern Pacific railroad tracks and the Redwood Highway (U. S. 101) in the west to the rugged Jeep Trails crossing the Mendocino National Forest. For genealogists, the map identifies the Potter Valley Cem, local schools, and family-named landmarks like Gibson Lane and Busch Lane that delineate the valley's settlement patterns.