1959 Map of Westwood

About this map

Susanville sits at the heart of this mid-century Northeastern California landscape, where the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges meet the high desert of the Madeline Plains. The geography is defined by significant water bodies, including the massive Honey Lake and Eagle Lake, alongside man-made landmarks like the Sierra Ordinance Depot near Herlong. This survey illustrates the intricate timber and rail economy of the 1950s, with the Southern Pacific and Western Pacific railroads threading through the mountains to serve valley settlements like Janesville and Standish. Volcanic features are prominent, ranging from the heights of Lassen Peak to the isolated Hayden Hill. The map also captures the early recreational footprint around Lake Almanor and the North Fork Feather River, providing a detailed record of the region's transition from a remote frontier to a managed resource landscape.