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1959 Map of Walter Springs

Name: 1959 Topographic Map of Walter Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

Walter Springs sits at the heart of this Napa County landscape, marking a period of significant hydrological transition for the region. The map captures the early years of Lake Berryessa, with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation contributing underwater contours that reveal the submerged topography of the valley floor. This artificial reservoir, formed by the damming of Putah Creek, reshaped the local geography, turning formerly terrestrial features like Barton Hill into prominent landmarks along the new shoreline.

Away from the rising waters, the rugged northern terrain is defined by steep ridges and mining history. The Blue Monday Mine and Buckhorn Mine are situated among the peaks of Turner Mtn and Adams Ridge, while cattle-era remnants like the Stone Corral reflect the area's agricultural roots. Numerous drainages, including Eticuera Creek and Maxwell Creek, carve through the valleys, providing a detailed look at the drainage patterns before modern development altered the rural character of the backcountry.