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1949 Map of Cape Disappointment

Name: 1949 Topographic Map of Cape Disappointment
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1974
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1974

About this map

Cape Disappointment anchors this coastal landscape where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The strategic geography is defined by significant maritime and military installations, including the North Head Lighthouse and the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse guarding the treacherous entrance to the river. Landward, the Fort Canby Military Reservation and Sand Island Military Reservation underscore the area's mid-century tactical importance.

Settlement patterns reveal a mix of coastal communities like Long Beach, Seaview, and Ilwaco, alongside established agricultural holdings such as the Johnson Ranch and Christorf Ranch. Transportation history is visible through the Old North Railroad Grade, which reflects the evolution of transit along the peninsula before modern highways predominated. The map also captures local landmarks like Lone Fir Cem and the Ilwaco Airfield, providing a detailed look at the infrastructure of Pacific County during the late 1940s.