1956 Map of Kapowsin

About this map

Kapowsin Lake and the northern settlement of Kapowsin anchor this mid-century look at the timber and hydroelectric landscape of Pierce County. The Puyallup River system is heavily utilized for power generation, noted by the Powerhouse, Penstocks, and the Electron Res near Electron. This industrial infrastructure is mirrored in the south by the Alder Reservoir on the Nisqually River, where the Chicago Milwaukee St Paul and Pacific railroad tracks follow the riverbank through Elbe and National. The landscape is a patchwork of forested sections and cleared areas, reflecting the logging operations of the era. Smaller settlements like Ashford and Park Junction serve as gateways toward the mountain, while recreational spots such as Voss Resort and Surprise Valley dot the western edge of the quadrangle.