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1953 Map of Topaz Mtn

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Topaz Mtn
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

Spor Mountain and the distinct volcanic formations of Topaz Mountain dominate this mid-century survey of the West Desert's mineral-rich ranges. The landscape is defined by its mining activity and critical water points, where operations like the Willden Mine and Bell Hill Mine established a presence among the high ridges of the Drum Mountains. Transportation in the early 1950s relied on a network of remote tracks, notably the Sand Pass Road and the Delta Callao Road, which connected isolated springs and wells across the basin floor.

Water sources were the lifeblood of this arid environment, evidenced by named features such as Schoenburger Spring, Laird Spring, and Freighters Well. These landmarks provided essential relief for travelers and miners navigating the wide expanse of Swasey Bottom and the valley between Eagle Rock Ridge and Antelope Ridge. The map captures a moment when the rugged interior of Juab and Millard Counties was primarily defined by geologists, prospectors, and the infrastructure of the Great Basin's mining districts.