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1955 Map of Crescent

Name: 1955 Topographic Map of Crescent
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1966
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1966

About this map

The high lava plains and volcanic peaks of Central Oregon dominate this landscape, where the Little Deschutes River winds through a complex of national forests including the Deschutes National Forest and Winema National Forest. In the mid-1950s, the regional economy was tied closely to timber and transportation, evidenced by the Sawmill at Gilchrist and the presence of both the Southern Pacific RR and Great Northern RR. The map captures a moment of transition for the military presence in the area, noting an Army camp (abandoned) near Stearns.

Water and terrain features like Paulina Lake, East Lake, and the volcanic profile of Bachelor Butte define the topography. Settlement remains concentrated along the north-south transit corridors, with small communities like Chemult, La Pine, and Beaver Marsh serving as essential hubs. Local infrastructure is further detailed through remote outposts such as the Cabin Lake Ranger Station and various guard stations that managed the vast timberlands.