1957 Map of Amity

About this map

The Southern Pacific railroad corridor dictates the settlement pattern of this mid-century Willamette Valley landscape, connecting the town of Amity with smaller stations and junctions. Agricultural life is centered around fertile lowland reaches like Ash Swale and Salt Creek, while the prominent slopes of the Amity Hills and Eola Hills rise to the east. The map captures a network of rural communities at a stable moment before significant modern expansion, marked by the presence of local landmarks like the High School in Amity and the Bethel Heights Road. Small hamlets such as McCoy, Bethel, and Zena are clearly defined by their namesake cemeteries and churches, serving as vital points of reference for genealogists tracing pioneer families in the area. The division between Yamhill Co and Polk Co runs through the center of the survey, cutting across the rugged terrain of Athey Canyon and the elevated Eola Crest.