1952 Map of Benge

About this map

Cow Creek carves a deep path through the scablands of Eastern Washington, serving as the primary drainage corridor toward the Palouse River at the southern edge of this study. The landscape is defined by the intersection of major rail lines, with the Union Pacific and the Spokane Portland and Seattle railroads dictating the placement of small agricultural hubs. The settlement of Benge sits along the northern rail line, while Hooper and Hooper Junction anchor the river crossing in the south. This terrain is dotted with seasonal and permanent water bodies, including Spider Lake, Green Lake, and Twin Lakes, often found in depressions between basalt formations like Coyote Butte. The map documents a sparsely populated but vital ranching and wheat-growing region where transportation was closely tied to the natural coulees and canyon floors, such as Rattlesnake Canyon.