1958 Map of Swales Mountain

About this map

Independence Mountains topography dominates this mid-century survey, revealing a landscape defined by high-altitude peaks and active resource extraction. The terrain is marked by significant elevations like Swales Mountain and Fish Creek Mountain, which overlook a network of seasonal drainages including Red House Creek, Donna Creek, and Cottonwood Creek. Human impact on this remote environment is evident through the numerous Strip Mine excavations, prospects, and shafts clustered near the mountain basins. A particularly distinctive feature is the Carlin Drift Fence, which traverses the central ridges to manage livestock movement across the high country. Navigation is limited to a network of jeep trails, while modern communication is represented by the VABM TV Repeater Station. Water sources are critical in this arid landscape, documented through numerous locations such as Yellow Spring, Mine Spring, and Mud Springs.