1967 Map of Twin Buttes

About this map

Marys River snakes through this high desert landscape, carving a fertile corridor for cattle operations in Elko County. The Cross Ranch sits near the riverbanks, supported by a Water Tank and several Hot Springs that dot the valley floor. The geography is defined by the prominent silhouette of Twin Buttes to the north, which overlooks the convergence of Pole Creek, Allen Creek, and Gopher Creek. These seasonal drainages suggest a remote ranching economy dependent on reliable water sources and clear topographical markers. Evidence of deeper land use appears with the Salt Block Well in the southwest, likely serving livestock or mineral interests. The 1982 photorevisions reflect subtle changes in fencing and unimproved roads, illustrating how little the fundamental ranching infrastructure of this Great Basin territory altered during the mid-to-late 20th century.