1955 Map of Silver Bell Mine

About this map

Silver Bell Mine occupies the high ground of the Lava Mountains in this mid-century desert survey, surrounded by several isolated Prospect x sites and unnamed prospects. The landscape is defined by its arid, volcanic character, prominently featuring an expansive area simply labeled Lava and the deeply incised Box Canyon. A significant cultural detail appears in the hills: Indian Petroglyphs are marked, indicating long-standing human presence in this high-elevation terrain. In the southeast, the encroachment of contemporary military infrastructure is evident with the boundary of the Marine Corps Training Center, contrasting the ancient petroglyphs and early mining activities. Geodetic points like VABM 4455 Bess and the remote Sheep Spr offer further orientation for those tracing the development of San Bernardino County's high desert during the 1950s.