1959 Map of Spirit Mtn NW

About this map

Lake Mohave fills the center of this 1959 survey, marking the flooded canyon of the Colorado River along the border of Nevada and Arizona. The map captures the shoreline during the early years of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, showing the development of Cottonwood Cove as a burgeoning recreational hub on the western bank. To the west, the arid landscape is defined by the steep slopes of Black Mtn and the broad drainage of Nellis Wash. This survey predates the extensive modern development of the region, documenting the original isolation of the area. A solitary Landing Strip on the eastern shore provides one of the few signs of infrastructure in this remote desert environment, serving as a vital link for early travelers and government surveyors monitoring the river system.