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1954 Map of Coos Bay

Name: 1954 Topographic Map of Coos Bay
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1954
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1954

About this map

Siuslaw National Forest and Siskiyou National Forest dominate this stretch of the Oregon coastline, where timber and maritime commerce shaped the mid-century landscape. The Southern Pacific RR serves as a vital artery through the region, connecting coastal hubs like North Bend and Coos Bay with inland industrial interests. The map illustrates a developed maritime infrastructure, anchored by the Umpqua River Lighthouse, Arago Lighthouse, and the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, which guided shipping past prominent landforms such as Cape Arago and Cape Blanco.

Away from the larger ports, smaller settlements like Florence, Bandon, and Reedsport provide evidence of early coastal development near river mouths. Educational centers such as Beachview School and Riverside School are noted, alongside numerous coastal lakes including Siltcoos Lake and Tahkenitch Lake. This survey captures the region just as the postwar timber economy was peak, prior to the large-scale shift toward tourism that would later redefine these communities.