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1951 Map of Bates

Name: 1951 Topographic Map of Bates
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1953
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1953

About this map

Bates and Austin Junction serve as the primary human outposts in this 1951 survey of the Blue Mountains, where the extractive industries of the early 20th century meet the management of the Umatilla National Forest and Whitman National Forest. The landscape is heavily marked by gold and copper mining history, with numerous named sites such as the Ben Harrison Mine, Standard Mine, and Copperopolis Mine scattered across the high ridges. These operations were supported by complex water management systems like the Placer Ditch, essential for hydraulic mining in this terrain.

Industrial activity is balanced by early forestry infrastructure, including the Sunshine Guard Station and Dixie Forest Camp. The transportation network is defined by the Middle Fork of the John Day River and the crossing at Dixie Summit, while numerous trails and primitive roads link remote landmarks such as Vinegar Hill and China Diggings, reflecting the era's transition from active mining hub to managed wilderness.