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1959 Map of Vaca Hills

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

USGS Topo · Published 1961

About this map

Industrial copper extraction dominates the eastern foothills of the West Silver Bell Mountains on this mid-century survey. The landscape is marked by the extensive operations of the Silver Bell Mine, including the Oxide Pit, El Tiro Pit, and the Union Hill Pit. Deep subterranean workings are evidenced by the Daisy Shaft and Mammoth Incline, while the human history of the mining camp is preserved at the Silver Bell (Site) and the nearby Silver Bell Cem. An Old Railroad Grade traces the former path of ore transport leading away from the mining complex.

West of the mountains, the terrain transitions into the Papago Valley, where the drainage of Aguirre Wash and Mammoth Wash defines the desert floor. This area shows a sparse network of ranching and water infrastructure, such as Romero Ranch, Queens Well, and Tin House Well. Isolated landmarks like Cerro Negro and the Roskruge Mts rise from the valley, alongside archaeological and cultural sites like Skoksonak and the former Quinlin (Site).