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1896 Map of Sonora

Name: 1896 Topographic Map of Sonora
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1896
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1896

About this map

Sonora and its surrounding gold country landscapes are captured here during a period of established mining operations and mountain transit. The map documents the intricate river systems of the North Fork Tuolumne River and the Merced River, which carved the deep canyons that dictated settlement patterns. Gold Rush era outposts such as Chinese Camp, Tuttletown, and Coulterville serve as regional hubs, connected by early infrastructure like Ward Ferry and the Moffat Bridge.

Evidence of the era's industrial footprint is visible in the numerous mining and milling sites, including the Red Cloud Mine, Quail Mine, and the Benton Mill near Hell Hollow. The transition from the high ridges of Pena Blanca Ridge and Table Mountain down to the valley floor at Snelling and Merced Falls illustrates the varied terrain of the Mother Lode. Named landmarks like Fremont Springs and Bower Cave suggest early recreational and natural interest points amidst the hard-rock mining landscape.