Loading map...

1962 Map of Susanville

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Susanville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1965
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1965

About this map

Lassen Volcanic National Park dominates the western topography of this 1962 survey, revealing a landscape defined by dramatic volcanic features like Lassen Peak, Brokeoff Mtn, and the Cinder Cone. To the east, the terrain transitions into the high desert basins of the Madeline Plains and the expansive, shallow waters of Honey Lake. This era shows the region as a critical crossroads for the Southern Pacific and Western Pacific railroads, which serviced timber operations and military installations like the Sierra Army Depot near Herlong.

Settlement patterns follow the water and rail lines, from the county seat at Susanville to mountain communities such as Westwood, Chester, and Greenville. The map captures the significant water management infrastructure of the mid-century, including the massive Lake Almanor and Butt Valley Res. This detailed view serves as a record of the Northeastern California timber and ranching economy before modern development further altered the drainage of the Susan River and the surrounding national forests.