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1950 Map of Washington

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Washington
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

Gold mining operations and deep river canyons define this mid-century landscape in the Tahoe National Forest. The South Fork Yuba River cuts a sharp path through the center of the sheet, where the settlement of Washington sits at the confluence with Washington Creek. Evidence of extensive hydraulic mining is visible at the Alpha Diggings and Omega Diggings, while hard-rock ventures like the Blue Lead Mine and Giant King Mine dot the surrounding ridges.

Transport and water management infrastructure supporting the region's industry includes the Yuba Canal and the Deer Creek Powerhouse. High ridges like Washington Ridge and Chalk Bluff are traversed by the historic Donner Trail and Lowell Hill Road. Local history is captured in vanished landmarks like the Junction House (Site) and the King Woolford Mill Site, reflecting a transition from active extraction to forest management represented by the White Cloud Guard Sta.