{"product_id":"map-of-strawberry-arizona-by-usgs-1981-payson-tonto-national-forest-verde-river","title":"Map of Strawberry, Arizona by USGS, 1981 – Payson, Tonto National Forest \u0026 Verde River","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublished in 1981 by the United States Geological Survey, “Payson, Arizona” presents the high country north and east of the Phoenix basin with the precision and authority that made USGS topographic mapping indispensable. At a 1:100,000 scale, it balances regional breadth with practical detail, placing Payson and Strawberry within a broader landscape of mesas, canyons, forests, valleys, and desert approaches. The map captures central Arizona at a moment when recreation, forestry, water management, and expanding settlement were all reshaping the relationship between people and terrain. Its systematic lettering, color-coded relief, road classifications, hydrography, and symbol key reflect late twentieth-century federal cartography: clear, disciplined, and designed to make complex country legible without diminishing its rugged drama.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe terrain around Strawberry and Payson is the map’s great subject. Contour lines gather tightly around ridges, peaks, escarpments, and canyon walls, revealing the abrupt elevation changes that define the Mogollon Rim region and its neighboring uplands. Forested areas, shaded relief, and drainage patterns convey a landscape of pine-covered plateaus cut by valleys and streams, where movement is shaped as much by topography as by roads. The Verde River and East Verde River, along with numerous smaller washes and tributaries, thread through the sheet as essential corridors of life in an otherwise demanding environment. For hikers, geologists, hunters, and historians, the map reads almost like a field guide to the physical structure of central Arizona.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe US Geological Survey brought more than a century of institutional experience to this map, and its craftsmanship is evident in the quiet intelligence of the design. Founded in 1879, the USGS was charged with mapping the nation’s lands, resources, and geologic character, and its topographic sheets became foundational tools for government agencies, engineers, scientists, land managers, and outdoor travelers. Here, that tradition appears in the careful hierarchy of information: settlements such as Payson, Strawberry, Apache Junction, and Jontó are set within the larger ordering systems of forest boundaries, county lines, transportation routes, wilderness areas, and watercourses. Nothing is ornamental in the usual sense, yet the disciplined arrangement produces a visual elegance rooted in utility and exact observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, the map offers a valuable portrait of Arizona in the early 1980s, before later decades of population growth, tourism infrastructure, wildfire history, and ecological change altered many communities and landscapes. Payson and Strawberry appear as mountain settlements tied to roads, forests, ranching histories, and the recreational appeal of cooler elevations above the desert. Tonto National Forest dominates much of the geography, emphasizing federal land stewardship in a region prized for timber, grazing, wildlife, and outdoor access. Remnants of mining activity and scattered trails hint at earlier waves of exploration and extraction, while the proximity of Phoenix and Maricopa County underscores the growing connection between metropolitan Arizona and its upland retreat landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the most compelling features shown are the great natural contrasts of central Arizona: the forested heights of the Payson country, the rugged reaches near Mount Ord, the deep-cut drainages of Black Canyon, and the wider transitions toward the Verde Valley and the Sierra Ancha Wilderness. The map situates roads and trails within this dramatic relief, making clear why routes developed along certain valleys, passes, and river corridors. Its depiction of wilderness, national forest, towns, peaks, and streams gives the sheet both scientific authority and narrative richness. It is a document of place at a specific historical moment, but also an enduring visualization of Arizona’s extraordinary vertical landscape, where desert margins rise into wooded mountains and remote canyons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCities, towns and places on this map\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrawberry, Arizona\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJontó\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTonto National Forest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaricopa County\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack Canyon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApache Junction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePayson\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMount Ord\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerde Valley\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSierra Ancha Wilderness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhoenix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerde River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEast Verde River\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVarious roadways and trails indicated throughout the area\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForested areas and remnants of historical mining sites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther nearby geographical features such as peaks and valleys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical context \u0026amp; cartographic details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduced by the US Geological Survey (USGS).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreated in 1981.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical 1:100,000 topographical map of Payson, Arizona, Strawberry, and the surrounding area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures mountainous and forested regions of central Arizona.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUses color coding to represent elevation and terrain features.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes contour lines and shading to show mountain ranges, valleys, and elevation changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCartographic elements are methodically arranged, with a detailed key for interpreting map symbols.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReflects geographical knowledge and land use in Arizona during the early 1980s.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides insight into landscapes that may have experienced ecological or developmental change since publication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTopographical details are clearly delineated, supporting outdoor, geological, and regional exploration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/es\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 36x20in (90x50cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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 \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/es\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68127319884167,"sku":null,"price":42.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68127319916935,"sku":null,"price":115.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18in (30x45cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68127319949703,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"14x24in (36x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68127319982471,"sku":null,"price":80.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"14x24in (36x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68127320015239,"sku":null,"price":176.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"14x24in (36x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68127320048007,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x36in (50x90cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68127320080775,"sku":null,"price":96.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x36in (50x90cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68127320113543,"sku":null,"price":263.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x36in (50x90cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68127320146311,"sku":null,"price":296.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"22x40in (56x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68127320179079,"sku":null,"price":126.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"22x40in (56x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68127320211847,"sku":null,"price":362.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"22x40in (56x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68127320244615,"sku":null,"price":362.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x50in (70x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68127320277383,"sku":null,"price":230.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x50in (70x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68127320310151,"sku":null,"price":962.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x50in (70x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68127320342919,"sku":null,"price":962.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x60in (84x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68127320375687,"sku":null,"price":307.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x60in (84x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68127320408455,"sku":null,"price":1539.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"33x60in (84x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68127320441223,"sku":null,"price":1429.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"39x70in (99x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":68127320473991,"sku":null,"price":505.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"39x70in (99x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":68127320506759,"sku":null,"price":2062.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"39x70in (99x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":68127320539527,"sku":null,"price":1924.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_801d3901-f496-47d2-a41c-f51588817e61.jpg?v=1793900252","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.eu\/es\/products\/map-of-strawberry-arizona-by-usgs-1981-payson-tonto-national-forest-verde-river","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}