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1948 Map of Castle Butte

Name: 1948 Topographic Map of Castle Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1985
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1985

About this map

The Emigrant Trail traverses the northern reaches of this Owyhee County landscape, tracing a historical path above the Snake River. This 1940s topography captures a remote ranching and irrigation environment where water management is central to the local geography. Significant infrastructure such as the Log Dam, various flumes, and Artesian Wells support life across the Henderson Flats. Small-scale settlements and family-named locations like Morgan Place, Feeny Wells, and the Castle Creek Sch reflect the sparse, community-centered population of the era.

The terrain is defined by dramatic basalt features and drainage patterns, anchored by the prominent Castle Butte landmark. Evidence of early river crossings remains visible at Clarks Ferry (Aband), while the river itself is marked by seasonal features like Big Foot Bar. Numerous creek systems, including Castle Creek and Fossil Creek, carve through the flats, occasionally feeding into man-made structures like Foremans Res or natural collection points like Beaver Pond.