Loading map...

1951 Map of Soda Lake

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Soda Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1960
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1960

About this map

The Hot Springs Mountains dominate the northern landscape of this Churchill County survey, giving way to the expansive Alkali Flat and a network of volcanic craters and ephemeral lake beds. This mid-century view captures a transition from ancient travel routes to modern rail infrastructure. The Old California Trail is traced across the desert floor, intersecting with the Southern Pacific railroad line which facilitated transit through sidings like Upsal Siding and Falais Siding.

Hydrography is central to the area's history, represented by the deep blue waters of Soda Lake and Little Soda Lake, which occupy ancient volcanic vents. Near the Carson River, the map identifies the Ragtown (Site), a crucial stopping point for emigrants during the 19th-century westward migration. The development of the Canal and various drainage systems like the Wade Drain illustrates the intensive efforts to manage the Great Basin's limited water for the Swingle Bench and surrounding ranchlands.