1961 Map of Willits

About this map

Willits serves as the central hub of this northern California landscape, where the Northwestern Pacific Railroad and U.S. Route 101 converge in the valley. The map documents a rugged timber and ranching environment characterized by small settlements and rail stops like Shake City, Irmulco, and Clare Mill. The presence of the Mendocino County C.D.F. Headquarters and the Jackson State Forest boundary indicates the vital role of forestry and fire management in the region. Water management is evident through features like Morris Dam and the Settling Tank, supporting the local infrastructure. For genealogists and local historians, the map provides precise locations for the Little Lake Cemetery and several named mountain openings, such as Hans Ottoson Opening and Upper Ranch Opening, which suggest legacy landholdings in the hills surrounding the Little Lake Valley.