1952 Map of Topopah Spring

About this map

The Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range dominates this mid-century landscape in Nye County, showing the intersection of military operations and Great Basin geography. Based on 1952 aerial photography, the map details the stark terrain of Yucca Mountain and the Calico Hills, highlighting the natural drainage systems of Fortymile Canyon and Beatty Wash. The survey is particularly valuable for documenting the area before significant modern development, capturing the isolation of Shoshone Mountain and the wide expanses of Jackass Flats. Water remains the most critical resource in this arid environment, marked by the namesake Topopah Spring tucked into the mountain slopes. This 1952 edition reflects the post-war era of federal land management and strategic military expansion across the Nevada desert.