1955 Map of Canyon City

About this map

The John Day River and its numerous forks anchor this mid-century survey of the Oregon high country, illustrating a landscape defined by ranching and timber extraction. The map details the central Oregon interior during a period of transition, where established towns like Canyon City and John Day serve as hubs for a region dominated by the Blue Mountains and the Aldrich Mountains. The presence of the Sumpter Valley Ry near Whitney and Bates highlights the historical reliance on narrow-gauge rail for transporting lumber from the surrounding Malheur National Forest. Cultural and geological landmarks such as the John Day Fossil Beds State Park are already noted as significant public features. This 1:250,000 scale view captures the remote character of Grant County, showing the network of forest roads and small settlements like Izee and Paulina before modernization altered the isolated backcountry trails.