1962 Map of Silent Butte

About this map

Nellis Air Force Range and the northern edge of the Nevada Test Site dominate this landscape of the early 1960s, mapped in cooperation with the Atomic Energy Commission. The topography is defined by the massive volcanic structure of Basalt Ridge, which overlooks the deep incisions of Silent Canyon and South Silent Canyon. This high-desert terrain reaches a prominent peak at Silent Butte and the surveying station at VABM Silent 6956. Beyond the major geological formations, the map records a sparse network of communications consisting primarily of a Jeep Trail and various unmarked footpaths. To the southwest, the drainage of East Thirsty Canyon cuts through the volcanic plateau, illustrating the arid, erosional character of this restricted military research area.