1964 Map of Mc Donald

About this map

The John Day River carves a deep path through the plateau of Sherman and Gilliam Counties, marking a critical corridor for early western migration. Along the river’s edge, the settlement of McDonald serves as a focal point near the Ford and a Gaging Station, while the Old Oregon Trail Monument stands as a permanent marker of the historic path. The map traces the Oregon Trail and the Barlow Cutoff, showing how these wagon routes negotiated the difficult terrain of Grass Valley Canyon. To the south, the curious label Starvation sits near the Base Line, hinting at the hard-scrabble reality of early homesteading in this arid landscape. The area is defined by sharp elevation changes, with numerous Jeep Trails and a Landing Strip providing modern access to remote ranching and grazing lands.