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1953 Map of Kelso

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Kelso
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1967
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1967

About this map

The industrial and educational hub of Longview and Kelso dominates the confluence of the Cowlitz River and the Columbia River in this mid-century survey. The planned urban geometry of Longview is clearly visible, featuring Lake Sacajawea and institutional anchors like Lower Columbia Jr College and R A Long HS. To the north, the landscape transitions into the hills around Beacon Hill and Lexington, where the Pacific Hy and several major rail lines including the Great Northern Northern Pacific & Union Pacific trace the river valley.

Local industry is prominently mapped, from the massive Aluminum Plant and Paper Mill along the waterfront to the Rock Quarry near Ostrander. Genealogists and local historians will find significant detail in the numerous educational and civic buildings, such as Sandy Bend School, St Roses Sch, and the Grange Hall near Pleasant Hill. The map also captures the early development of residential areas like Columbia Valley Gardens and Davis Terrace during a period of significant regional growth.