1950 Map of Stillwater

About this map

The Fallon Indian Reservation and its Fallon Indian Sub-Agency anchor the southern portion of this desert landscape, where water management is the defining human influence. Established irrigation and drainage systems, including the Vencil Drain and Mussi Drain, attempt to tame the Carson River as it flows toward the expansive Alkali Flat. This 1950s survey documents a complex network of wetlands and seasonal lakes such as Big Indian Lake and Little Cottonwood Lake, which supported local recreation at the Canvasback Gun Club. Human settlement is sparse and tied to these water sources, from the Stillwater School and local cemetery to isolated points like Leter Ranch and Millens Landing. North of the Stillwater Cutoff, the terrain transitions into shifting Sand Dunes and the high ground of Pelican Island, illustrating the stark contrast between reclaimed agricultural land and the original high-desert sink.