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1916 Map of Arlington

Name: 1916 Topographic Map of Arlington
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1916
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1916

About this map

The Columbia River serves as the central artery of this 1916 survey, carving a deep gorge between Washington and Oregon. Along its banks, the competing tracks of the Spokane Portland & Seattle Ry and the Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Co illustrate the intense rail rivalry of the early twentieth century. These lines connect vital river settlements like Arlington, Blalock, and Roosevelt, which acted as shipping points for the vast agricultural uplands.

The landscape is dotted with early community landmarks, from family operations like Smythes Ranch and Clarks Ranch to numerous rural schools such as Juniper Canyon School and Locust Grove School. To the south, the Oregon Washington Trail winds near Shutler, while the north is defined by the Yakima Indian Reservation and high ridges like Alder Ridge. This map captures a period when isolated dry-land farming and ranching dictated the placement of every schoolhouse and siding.