1957 Map of Homestead

About this map

Homestead sits along the bend of the Snake River at the boundary of Oregon and Idaho, serving as a focal point for this 1957 survey of the remote canyonlands. The landscape is defined by the steep descent from high summits like Gumboot Butte and Nesbit Butte down to the river basin, where the Kleinschmidt Grade winds through the difficult terrain. This area reflects a mid-century period of land management and limited access, with the Coverdale Guard Station and Cold Springs Guard Sta positioned to oversee the vast reaches of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Numerous drainages such as Imnaha River and Skookum Creek cut through the high ridges, illustrating the complex watershed that feeds the Snake River. For those researching local history, the inclusion of a Cem near the river and various family-named features like Miller Butte and Puderbaugh Creek provides clues to early settlement and seasonal grazing in the region.