1965 Map of Wilson Mountain

About this map

The San Francisco River carves a serpentine path through the heart of the Gila National Forest, defining the wild landscape of the mid-1960s. This survey, conducted shortly before the 1965 field check, highlights the importance of water management and natural thermal features in this high-desert environment. Along the river, the San Francisco Hot Springs and a Hot Spring Gaging Sta point to the area's geothermal activity and hydraulic monitoring. The map documents the isolated agricultural and ranching life of the era, recording family-named locations such as Zumwalt Ranch and Henry Ranch. Significant landmarks including Wilson Mountain, Hanna Mountain, and the descriptive Potholes Country reveal a geography marked by deep canyons and prominent peaks like Snow Peak. Numerous stock tanks, such as Brandy Tree Tank and Ringtail Tank, are scattered throughout, illustrating the infrastructure required for cattle operations in the high country.