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1955 Map of Sunshine Peak

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Sunshine Peak
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1990
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1990

About this map

Lava Bed Mountains and the volcanic landscape of the Mojave Desert dominate this mid-century survey, defined by extensive volcanic fields and the prominent Pisgah Crater in the northeast. The map records a significant industrial and military presence during the Cold War era, including the expansive Marine Corps Training Center and a marked Naval Reservation Boundary.

Mineral exploration is a defining characteristic of this terrain, with numerous specialized sites like the National Lead Mine, Silver Cliff Mine, and Imperial Lode Mine scattered across the elevations. From the heights of Sunshine Peak to the various prospects and springs, the map documents a landscape primarily utilized for tactical operations and mineral extraction rather than residential settlement. Data collected from 1952 aerial photography and 1955 field checks provides a precise view of these remote desert operations.