1976 Map of American Falls

About this map

American Falls and its surrounding agricultural landscape are captured in this 1976 orthophotoquad, which utilizes aerial imagery to document the interface between high-desert irrigation and the massive American Falls Reservoir. The grid-like pattern of local farming abruptly meets the irregular shoreline of the reservoir, illustrating the mid-century water management systems that transformed this portion of Idaho. To the south, the terrain rises toward the distinct peaks of Paps Mtn, while Sunbeam Creek cuts through the southeastern uplands. Unlike standard topographic maps, this photographic survey provides researchers with a literal view of the vegetation, field boundaries, and urban density of American Falls as it appeared during the nation's bicentennial year.