1962 Map of Yosemite Lake

About this map

Yosemite Lake and the Merced River define this central California landscape at the start of the 1960s, where an extensive network of water management features like the Main Canal and Snelling Canal support the valley floor. The map highlights the transition from the river's path down into the irrigation-dependent plains, marked by the presence of tailings near the riverbanks that suggest past dredging or mining activity. Transportation and recreational growth are evident through the Old Railroad Grade and the Merced Golf Club near the Hornitos Road. Local history is captured in the small settlement of Youd and several family-named landmarks like Parkinson Road and Parkinson Creek, providing a detailed view of Merced County's hydraulic and agricultural infrastructure before further modern development.