1959 Map of Lake Walcott

About this map

Lake Walcott dominates the northern landscape of this 1959 survey, created by the impoundment of the Snake River at the Minidoka Dam. This reservoir is the centerpiece of the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, which spans the river banks across Minidoka, Blaine, and Cassia counties. The infrastructure of the era is clearly visible through the presence of a Microwave Relay Station, several pipelines, and the Union Pacific railroad tracks cutting through the northern lava beds near Hawley. To the south, the terrain shifts toward the Cotterel Mtn range and Guinn Canyon. Here, evidence of early settlement and ranching persists at the Cotterel (Site), marked by a Grain Elevator, and the Lazy F C Ranch situated along the Raft River. The map provides a detailed look at the water management system that supported the region's development, including the North Side Canal and South Side Canal.