1954 Map of White Canyon 4 SW

About this map

Moss Back and the intricate drainage basins of Red Canyon dominate this 1950s topographic study of the Utah canyonlands. Mapped just after the post-war uranium boom began in the region, the landscape reveals a transition from a remote wilderness to a site of early industrial and transit infrastructure. Evidence of this shift is visible in the isolated Landing Strip near the head of Fry Canyon and the presence of a Tank in the canyon depths, likely serving early prospecting or ranching needs. The topography is defined by the sheer vertical relief of the sandstone benches, with water sources like Fry Spring providing rare relief in an otherwise arid environment. This preliminary edition captures the territory as it was being systematically surveyed for the first time by the Department of the Interior using modern aerial photography methods.