1990 Map of Sheep Ranch Canyon

About this map

The Sonoma Range dominates this landscape along the border of Humboldt and Pershing counties, where the high ridges of Spanish Basin descend into the wide expanse of the Pumpernickel Valley. This 1990 provisional survey documents a rugged ranching and mining district, anchored by the namesake Sheep Ranch situated near the mouth of Sheep Ranch Canyon. The map reveals the critical importance of water in this arid Nevada environment, marking several vital points including Buckbrush Spring, Barrel Spring, and Manganese Spring. Industrial history is represented by the Black Diablo Mine, while the agricultural needs of the valley are served by the Pumpernickel Reservoir. These features, along with names like Grand Trunk Canyon and Washoke Canyon, illustrate the patterns of land use and resource extraction that have shaped this portion of the Great Basin.