1952 Map of Topopah Spring

About this map

The Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range dominates this mid-century survey of Nye County, reflecting the significant federal and military presence in the Nevada desert during the early Cold War era. Centered on the rugged convergence of Fortymile Canyon and Yucca Mountain, the landscape is defined by vast alluvial basins and arid drainage systems. The map detail shows the isolation of the high desert before major modern developments, with Topopah Spring serving as one of the few named water sources in the region. To the southeast, the open expanse of Jackass Flats is bordered by the distinctive Calico Hills, while Shoshone Mountain rises to the north. This topographic study is notable for its precise recording of numerous bench marks and the drainage patterns of Beatty Wash, providing a window into the natural state of this restricted territory in the 1950s.