1972 Map of Hickey Basin

About this map

The high-desert terrain of Malheur County, Oregon, is defined by an intricate network of water management features and cattle-ranching infrastructure in this 1970s survey. The landscape is characterized by numerous small reservoirs such as Andy Wilson Reservoir and Walls Reservoir, illustrating the critical role of water storage in this arid region. The drainage system of McEwen Creek and Crowley Creek cuts through the uplands, leading toward the prominent elevations of Dry Buttes. Human presence is marked by utility and transportation, including a remote Landing Strip and a winding Jeep Trail that traverses the northern sections. Notable family-named landmarks like Atterbury Reservoir and Bar Heart Reservoir provide valuable clues for genealogists tracking local land use and residency during the late 20th century, while the presence of Swamp Creek Buttes highlights the varied geological formations that rise above the basin floor.