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1956 Map of Ephrata

Name: 1956 Topographic Map of Ephrata
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1956
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1956

About this map

Ephrata and the neighboring community of Soap Lake serve as the primary hubs in this mid-century survey of the high desert plateau. The landscape is defined by a massive irrigation infrastructure, with the West Canal and Great Northern Canal cutting across the terrain to support regional agriculture. Local education and community life are well-documented, showing the Wheatland School (Aband) on Sagebrush Flat Road, as well as the Grandview Heights School, Parkway School, and Columbia Ridge School in the growing county seat.

The presence of the Great Northern railway and the Olson Spur underscore the importance of the rail-and-river economy, while the Ephrata Municipal Airport and its Airport Beacon Control Tower represent the era's advancing transportation network. Unique landmarks like Horsethief Cave near Lake Lenore and the Country Club Drive-in Theater reflect the recreational and geological character of the Beezley Hills region.