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1950 Map of Benge

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Benge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1980
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1980

About this map

Cow Creek winds through the heart of the landscape, connecting a series of notable water bodies including Lost Lake, Spider Lake, and Green Lake. This mid-century survey illustrates the vital role of the rail network in eastern Washington, where the Spokane Portland and Seattle and Union Pacific lines intersect. The settlement of Benge stands as a primary hub along the northern rail line, while Hooper Junction and the siding at Hooper anchor the southern reach near the Palouse River.

Tracing the path of the Military Trail across the northern sections reveals early transportation corridors that predated more modern infrastructure. The map also documents the unique geological formations of the region, featuring Staley Coulee, Holliday Coulee, and the prominent Coyote Butte. These features define a terrain where water, rail, and early overland trails dictated the placement of small sidings like Mack and Ankeny.