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1959 Map of The Geysers

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of The Geysers
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1961
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1961

About this map

Geothermal energy and quicksilver mining define this late 1950s landscape across the Mayacmas Mountains. The map documents the early infrastructure of The Geysers, where a powerplant and the Geysers Resort are situated along Big Sulphur Creek. The region’s mercury mining legacy is visible through numerous operations, including the Buckman Mines with its housing units and headquarters, the Cloverdale Mine, and the Socrates Mine. Further south, the small settlement of Mercuryville sits near the Culver Bear Mine.

Away from the industrial activity, the terrain is marked by isolated outposts such as Harness Camp, Binkley Ranch, and Caldwell Ranch. The intricate network of jeep trails provides access to high points like Geyser Peak and Eagle Rock. This survey captures a specific era when industrial geothermal development was beginning to integrate with the established ranching and mining history of Sonoma and Lake Counties.