Loading map...

1955 Map of Wells

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Wells
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

The upper reaches of the Humboldt River and the high desert basins of northeast Nevada dominate this mid-century topographical study. This landscape is defined by the rigid North-South orientation of Great Basin ranges, including the Pequop Mountains, Toano Range, and the Independence Mountains. Settlement is sparse, clustered primarily along the historic rail corridors of the Southern Pacific and Western Pacific railroads.

Genealogists can trace small ranching and rail towns such as Wells, Deeth, and Montello, along with the remains of Metropolis and the remote Delno Mines. The map reveals the critical importance of water in this arid region, showing the Wine Cup Ranch and the Wild Horse Reservoir amid the sprawling Humboldt National Forest. Large valley systems like Goshute Valley and Thousand Springs Valley highlight the vast grazing lands that supported the local ranching economy.