1958 Map of Virgin Peak

About this map

The Virgin Mountains dominate this landscape where Nevada meets Arizona, anchored by the high elevation of Virgin Peak. This late 1950s survey shows a remote desert environment punctuated by small-scale ranching and mineral exploration. Isolated outposts like Juanita Springs Ranch, Whitney Ranch, and Jacobs Ranch appear near vital water sources such as Hees Hole Spring and Red Rock Spring. The presence of Petroglyphs near Whitney Pocket Water points to the deep indigenous history of the region before the arrival of the mining interests seen at the Great Western Mine and Nickel Mine. Movement through this arid terrain relied on the New Gold Butte Road and the Pakoon Springs Road, which linked the high peaks to the lowlands of Hungry Valley and the banks of the Virgin River at Riverside.