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1952 Map of Westville

Name: 1952 Topographic Map of Westville
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1952
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1952

About this map

The North Fork American River carves a deep path through this mid-century landscape in the Tahoe National Forest. The map documents a rugged era of extraction and early settlement where the high ridges of Sawtooth Ridge and Humbug Ridge are dotted with complex mining infrastructure. Subterranean networks like the Mountain Gate Tunnel, Golden River Tunnel, and Osborne Tunnel reveal the intensity of gold-seeking efforts along the Forest Hill Divide.

By the early 1950s, several historic locations were already noted as archaeological or abandoned points, including Damascus (Site) and Forks House (Site). The industrial footprint of the region is further evidenced by the Maxwell Sawmill (Inactive) and numerous specialized bars along the river, such as Italian Bar and Humbug Bar. Local ranching is represented at Dorer Ranch and Elliot Ranch, while the Southern Pacific tracks provide a vital transport link through the high country.