1944 Map of Empire

About this map

Coos Bay and the coastal shelf of the Siuslaw National Forest define this 1940s landscape, where the maritime economy meets a deeply inland-reaching tidal network. At the bay's mouth, the village of Charleston sits opposite the North Spit, while the community of Empire anchors the eastern shore near the North Bend city boundary. This era captures a transition from purely extractive land use to early conservation and public recreation, evidenced by the Arago Lighthouse and the establishment of Cape Arago State Park. Inland, the map reveals a dense network of family-operated agricultural holdings, including the Oldland, Sengstacken, and Frye Ranch, which follow the winding path of the South Slough. The industrial presence is marked by a pulp mill and the Chickamin Mine, while local education is represented by the Beach View and South Slough schools.