2020 Map of Little Valley

About this map

The Malheur River valley in Malheur County defines this landscape, where the interplay of natural water sources and early twentieth-century engineering projects supports life in the high desert. Historical transportation routes such as the Old Stage Rd and Old Mail Rd cut through the rugged terrain, tracing the paths of early travelers and mail carriers across the interior. The presence of the Vale Oregon Main Canal and the Little Valley Lateral illustrates the critical role of irrigation in sustaining settlements like Little Valley and Harper Valley. Near the river, the Harper Cem and Harper Springs provide specific points of interest for genealogists tracing the legacy of the Harper family. The map also records several natural water features, including Wildhorse Spring and Alkali Spring, which historically served as vital landmarks for both cattle ranching and homesteading in this corner of eastern Oregon.