1908 Map of Blalock Island

About this map

Columbia River shoreline life at the turn of the century is defined by the competing interests of rail and river commerce. This survey shows the Spokane Portland and Seattle railroad hugging the northern bank through Paterson, while the Union Pacific line follows the southern bank through Castle Rock and Carley. Inland from the river, the landscape of Morrow and Gilliam counties is dotted with early 20th-century outposts like Ella, Cecil, and Morgan, connected by an established Oregon trail system that pre-dates modern highway infrastructure. The map preserves the original geography of the river valley before mid-century dam projects, documenting significant landforms such as Blalock Island and the distinctive Canoe Ridge. Numerous natural springs, including Sunberry Spr and McDade Spr, highlight the critical water sources that supported early cattle ranching and homesteading in this arid corridor.