1964 Map of Mc Donald

About this map

McDonald sits at a strategic crossing where the John Day River carves through the high plateau country along the Gilliam and Sherman County line. This mid-century survey documents the convergence of historical western migration routes and modern land use, showing the Oregon Trail and the Barlow Cutoff threading through the dissected terrain. A dedicated Old Oregon Trail Monument and the McDonald Ford mark the specific point of river passage, while landmarks like Starvation Point and Grass Valley Canyon reflect the demanding nature of the local geography. Beyond the pioneer paths, the map records more recent additions to the landscape such as a Landing Strip, a Gaging Station on the river, and scattered agricultural resources like a Gravel Pit and several wells that supported life in this arid canyon environment.