Published in 1983 using survey data from 1968, the US Geological Survey’s “Genoa” captures one of Nevada’s most historically resonant valleys with the precision and clarity that made the USGS topographic series indispensable. At a 1:24,000 scale, the map presents the town of Genoa and its surrounding terrain in intimate detail, translating settlement, watercourses, roads, slopes, and benchmarks into a richly legible portrait of place. Genoa, often associated with Nevada’s earliest Euro-American settlement history, appears here not as an isolated town but as part of a larger landscape shaped by mountains, drainage, movement, and land use. The late-1960s survey date gives the map particular documentary value, preserving the region at a moment when Nevada was experiencing growth, infrastructural change, and increasing environmental awareness.

The topographic language of the map is especially compelling: fine contour lines articulate the valley floor, the rising slopes, and the mountain terrain surrounding Genoa with almost sculptural precision. Green-shaded areas mark lower and vegetated zones, while lighter tones and dense contouring reveal higher, steeper ground. This careful visual hierarchy allows the viewer to read the land intuitively, tracing how the settlement occupies a sheltered valley framed by rugged relief. Elevation markers and survey benchmarks add a measured authority, anchoring the landscape to the national geodetic framework. Roads and trails move through the scene as delicate threads, suggesting routes between habitations, ranchlands, water sources, and upland terrain. The result is both scientific document and elegant landscape study.

Genoa’s setting gives the map much of its drama. The town lies within a valley environment connected to Jacks Valley and the Carson River system, a region where water, topography, and human occupation are deeply intertwined. The Carson River and associated creeks and drainage features appear as vital blue lines and shapes, indicating the natural systems that sustained settlement, agriculture, and travel. Wolf Creek and smaller water bodies, including ponds or lakes, punctuate the terrain and reveal the practical importance of drainage in this semi-arid part of the American West. The contrast between valley floor and mountain slope is central to the map’s visual power, making clear how geology and hydrology guided patterns of habitation.

As a USGS production, the map belongs to a celebrated cartographic tradition devoted to exacting field survey, standardized symbology, and public geographic knowledge. The United States Geological Survey, founded in the nineteenth century, became the nation’s preeminent authority for mapping terrain, resources, hazards, and settlement patterns. Its topographic quadrangles were created not merely for orientation, but for engineering, land management, resource study, environmental planning, and historical record. In the “Genoa” sheet, that institutional purpose is evident in every contour, benchmark, and classified feature. The map’s restrained design rewards close reading: one can infer slopes, access routes, drainage basins, populated places, and the physical constraints that shaped development in this corner of Nevada.

Historically, the 1968 data represented on this map offers a valuable snapshot of Genoa and its surroundings before later decades brought intensified suburban expansion, recreational development, and shifting land-use pressures in western Nevada. The landscape shown is one of transition: a historic settlement set amid valleys, ranching country, waterways, and mountains, poised between frontier memory and modern growth. Lines marking roads and possible trails suggest connectivity without overwhelming the natural form of the terrain, while the contours preserve the enduring architecture of the land itself. For collectors drawn to Nevada history, Western settlement, or the aesthetics of scientific cartography, this map presents Genoa as both a place of human heritage and a beautifully measured mountain-valley landscape.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Genoa
• Jacks Valley
• Carson River
• Wolf Creek
• Possible trails and roads
• Elevation markers indicating various peaks and slopes
• Small geographical features such as lakes and ponds
• Nearby mountainous areas
• Noted survey benchmarks

Historical context & cartographic details

• Produced by the US Geological Survey, this historical 1:24,000 topographical map showcases Genoa, Nevada and the surrounding area.
• The map uses data from 1968 and was published with a 1983 imprint.
• Published by the US Geological Survey, known for detailed and accurate mapping and geographical data collection.
• Shows the populated place of Genoa in a valley surrounded by mountain ranges and significant natural features.
• Features distinct contour lines showing elevation changes across varied terrain.
• Uses color-coded topography, including green zones for lower elevations and lighter shades for higher areas.
• Depicts valleys, slopes, and water bodies, giving a clear representation of Genoa’s surrounding landscape.
• Reflects land use, population, and environmental conditions from the late 1960s, a period of significant development and change in Nevada.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.