1953 Map of Shaver Lake

About this map

Shaver Lake dominates the central landscape of this 1950s survey, representing a significant period of hydroelectric and recreational development in the Sierra Nevada. The San Joaquin River carves a deep boundary between Madera and Fresno counties, supporting a network of infrastructure including Powerhouse 2 and Powerhouse 8. Cultural landmarks of the era include the Wish-i-Ah Sanatorium and several mission sites, such as the Auberry Indian Mission and the North Fork Indian Mission. The region's industrial transition is evident in the presence of the Old Railroad Grade alongside active resource sites like Mathews Mill and the Pine Grove Mine. From the heights of Bald Mountain to the community at Tollhouse, the map documents a landscape where timber, power, and high-altitude settlements like Pine Ridge and Ockenden intersect.