1967 Map of Barton Lake

About this map

Barton Ranch sits within a landscape defined by volcanic geology and ephemeral water in Harney County, Oregon. This late-1960s survey documents a region where ranching and water management are critical to survival, centered around features like the Dry Lake Reservoir and the drainage of Riddle Creek. The southwestern portion of the map showcases the unique topography of the Diamond Craters, a stark contrast to the flatter terrain surrounding White Lake. Because of the arid climate, several specific water sources are named, providing important landmarks for local history, including Beckley Well, Voltage Wells, and the Barton Lake Well. These scattered wells and water tanks suggest a network of rangeland improvements essential for the cattle operations that have historically characterized this remote section of the High Desert.